EdzBenz

I've gotta give Raymond a "thumbs up" for posting his shock replacement tutorial. It was accurate and made it very easy for me to replace my shocks. I replaced my stock shocks with Bilstein HD's. Fantastic ride quality. Thanks, Raymond!

Three questions/comments on my shock replacements:
-While swapping out my front shocks, I had to slightly raise the lower control arm to allow wiggle room to remove the shock. The shock was pushed up against a part (don't know part name) that made it very difficult to remove without relieving pressure. Is this normal?
-Will the new shocks help to prevent uneven tire wear?
-Can I swap my stock springs with E55 springs and still use the HD's?

Happy New Year,

X55

1. Yes
2. Probably not, look into an alignment if necessary
3. Yes but would have been easier if you did the springs and shocks at the same time. HD's are the same effective length as stock E55 shocks.

raymond g-

long shocks can be challenging to remove/install. fortunately, one can easily
resolve this by tieing the shock while it's in compressed state. then, when
the lower control arm is unloaded after the car is jacked up, it's a relatively
simple to unfasten the bolts on each end. the shock (still compressed) will
slide right out.

when you're working with shorter shocks, or ones which are more compliant
(vs the HDs) you may be able to compress with your hands...and then tip
it out.

so to recap:

- jack up car and remove wheel/tire
- position jack stand(s) and reposition floor jack under LCA **
- compress shock and tie off
- lower jack and slide shock out

** if you have two floor jacks, you can skip step

ohlord

yes proper alignment and good shocks will be the best things to do to insure proper tire wear.
along with rotation if you don't stagger and making sure all your suspension bushings are in good shape.

EdzBenz

Ohlord,
I think I remember seeing a post about replacement polyurethane bushings that you have used for suspension components. Do you have the link to where I can buy them? If my memory is correct, then why are these the best choice instead of OEM?
Thanks,

raymond g-

Edz -
where did you see the instructions? I forgot where I posted. if the link to
the instructions allow me to edit and add the tip about compressing the
shock via LCA, i'll try to update the info. am glad the photos were of help.

ohlord

rot out or get affected by rotational movement.What the suspension does it only what it is meant to do,not the added play from rubber bushings.
send them an email.
I have used them on lots or road race and drag cars and did not even think of benz use until that member had installed them on his e series and posted it in reply to one of my threads.

EdzBenz

Raymond,
You had posted the DIY on benzworld (I think). But, I got the link through searcing our site about the subject and you had provided a web link to your benzworld post. I'm just more active on this site which is why I posted here.

Ohlord,
What's the name of the company for the bushings?

ohlord

it would help if I pasted on the link.
http://www.energysuspension.com/
if anyone is in ca. they may be looking to install free parts and bushings,inquire ,they use test bed cars of all makes so it is worth checking into.
ohlord

EdzBenz

Received an email response from energy suspension. The sales person told me that they do not have Mercedes applications right now.

Anybody know of other sources for polyurethane bushings?