When do you replace suspension components?
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Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2016
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From: MN
2011 Mercedes Benz E350
When do you replace suspension components?
Hi All,
I own a 2012 e350 "sport" and I just hit 80,000m and am thinking of updating the shocks/mounts/struts. Should I go as far as ball mounts and/or control arms since I am down there anyway?
I own a 2012 e350 "sport" and I just hit 80,000m and am thinking of updating the shocks/mounts/struts. Should I go as far as ball mounts and/or control arms since I am down there anyway?
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Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Athens, GA USA
2011 E63, 2011 Hyundai Genesis 4.6 v8, 2013 GMC Denali XL, 1965 Ford Mustang, 2005 Merc. E500
Why replace anything if they are not worn out. I have a 2011 Hyundai Genesis that I purchased new with over 201,000 miles on it now and no suspension components have worn out. All bushings, joints are as tight as when new. No abnormal tire wear. Shocks still perform as new. My 2011 E63 also is in no need of suspension items with it just under 70,000 miles. If you do have worn suspension items then I must ask, are the roads you travel are very rough or has alignment been done when needed?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2016
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From: MN
2011 Mercedes Benz E350
I did alignment just before winter here in MN roughly Oct/Nov 2016. She had some pull to the left i noticed during the test drive. You may have a good point, the roads here are probably a 4/10 compared to what you see in GA. When it is below 0 the shocks act like they are in immediate need of replacement. Is this behavior normal? Is it a sign of wear? I dont know. When it is warm they seem fine. I have really bad road noise problems as well which is something I was hoping would go away if I replaced all the rubber components and main suspension parts.
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Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Athens, GA USA
2011 E63, 2011 Hyundai Genesis 4.6 v8, 2013 GMC Denali XL, 1965 Ford Mustang, 2005 Merc. E500
I did alignment just before winter here in MN roughly Oct/Nov 2016. She had some pull to the left i noticed during the test drive. You may have a good point, the roads here are probably a 4/10 compared to what you see in GA. When it is below 0 the shocks act like they are in immediate need of replacement. Is this behavior normal? Is it a sign of wear? I dont know. When it is warm they seem fine. I have really bad road noise problems as well which is something I was hoping would go away if I replaced all the rubber components and main suspension parts.
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From: MN
2011 Mercedes Benz E350
Shocks are stiff in very cold weather as are all the rubber bushings and this is normal. As to road noise that is usually due to the tires. Some tire brand/styles do have a lot of road noise. When purchasing tires I read the information on tirerack.com to get the quietest tire and good performing tires for my Genesis and Denali. For the my e63 I go for the top summer performance tire.
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From: Southeastern USA
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
I have not replaced suspension components on a car in decades, even those that went over 100,000 miles. They just do not wear out unless they are abused.
As for tire noise, that is due to brand of tires and lack of wheel well sound insulation in E Class. Run flats are also very noisy. I have always found Michellins to be noisier than most other brands.
As for tire noise, that is due to brand of tires and lack of wheel well sound insulation in E Class. Run flats are also very noisy. I have always found Michellins to be noisier than most other brands.
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Joined: Jun 2013
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From: Sacramento , CA
2010 e550 p2
Changed my upper control arms since the bushings started to crack... also changed the sway bar links because one had a bad rubber boot , also replaced the ball joint (mine still turned out to be good but for the price (hella cheap) it was worth doing. ~95k miles
suspension components do wear out , you just gotta keep your eye on those.
ride became a lot better after getting new parts on.
suspension components do wear out , you just gotta keep your eye on those.
ride became a lot better after getting new parts on.
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Ball joints are the only thing I have changed in any car for a long time. I have had axle hub bearings go in other cars, but never spend money on suspension parts unless they have failed or are in the process of failing.
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From: New Jersey
2010 E550 P2 w/AMG Sport Package + Pano, 2015 Nissan Pathfinder
As others have said no need to change anything if there is no issue or foreseeable issue. Those components are fairly easy to take a look at once it's on the lift. Any reputable shop should be able to take a look in the future if you think there's an issue for a decent price. So I wouldn't sweat it just yet.
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From: MN
2011 Mercedes Benz E350
Thanks guys. I think I am going to change my strategy up a bit. Do an inspection and change anything as needed in terms of rubber components. I will need tires in the next 8-12 months anyway so maybe I will bring that to the top of the list and see if that helps with the road noise and ride overall. Thanks again!
