To fix or not to fix - that is the question
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Newbie
Joined: Mar 2017
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From: Bradford, ON
2009 W211 Bluetec
To fix or not to fix - that is the question
So guys, I'm facing a bit of a dilemma, the car feels quite wobbly on highways and even more so during turns. Also the rear would jump a few times over larger bumps. A good mechanic shop says all shocks and springs are done and need replacement.
Now since I also have occasional 1st to 2nd hard shifts even after tranny oil replacement I'm wondering if it's worth investing another almost $2k while at 233000 km's (~144k miles). Is that considered to be high mileage for these cars or do people get much more life out of them? The car otherwise is in great shape, engine runs well and mechanic found no other issues.
Thanks for any input you may have
Now since I also have occasional 1st to 2nd hard shifts even after tranny oil replacement I'm wondering if it's worth investing another almost $2k while at 233000 km's (~144k miles). Is that considered to be high mileage for these cars or do people get much more life out of them? The car otherwise is in great shape, engine runs well and mechanic found no other issues.
Thanks for any input you may have
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1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
Get 2nd opinion or do your own test by pushing the corners down and observing rebounce.
I have never replaces shock on any Mercedes my family owned and some of them were in 1/2 million km range.
I have never replaces shock on any Mercedes my family owned and some of them were in 1/2 million km range.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Bradford, ON
2009 W211 Bluetec
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Sacramento, CA
2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2008 ML550 4Matic; 2004 C320
144K miles for a Benz Diesel is NOTHING IMO! And the car is not even 10 years old.
Member
Joined: Oct 2016
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2012 E350 4Matic
The car should rebound fairly quickly, but shouldn't continue to bounce. If the car is slow to come back up after pushing down on it, or if it keeps bouncing the shocks are likely bad. You should also take a look at the shocks for signs of wetness that would indicate oil leakage. Regular shocks are filled with oil, and leaks can develop around the piston. A leaking shock is on borrowed time.
How is the ride height? A broken spring on one side will result in lower ride height, and the vehicle will look uneven. Often what happens is the bottom coil will break, and it can be hard to see if you aren't specifically looking for it. Springs can also sag with age and wear, and you'll notice the ride height lower than usual.
The car being wobbly on the highway could also be a wheel bearing or ball joint issue, and you'll definitely want to check these items. If the shop that diagnosed the issue was competent they should have checked this.
Driving conditions are the biggest factor in the longevity of suspension parts. We have some spectacularly bad roads around here, so a purely city driven car will need a suspension refresh a lot sooner than a highway car. Cars in warmer climates tend to go through rubber bushings faster as well.
How is the ride height? A broken spring on one side will result in lower ride height, and the vehicle will look uneven. Often what happens is the bottom coil will break, and it can be hard to see if you aren't specifically looking for it. Springs can also sag with age and wear, and you'll notice the ride height lower than usual.
The car being wobbly on the highway could also be a wheel bearing or ball joint issue, and you'll definitely want to check these items. If the shop that diagnosed the issue was competent they should have checked this.
I have never replaces shock on any Mercedes my family owned and some of them were in 1/2 million km range.
