Time For New Struts
#126
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Pretty much market everywhere I've looked. Around $1500 for the pair.
Also, I've got about 125mi on my replacement Arnott and so far so good! No clicking or funky noise, just silence.I really hope I can get some trouble/annoyance-free miles out of this pair. They feel great and function just fine. I'll report back as the miles climb or something happens.
Also, I've got about 125mi on my replacement Arnott and so far so good! No clicking or funky noise, just silence.I really hope I can get some trouble/annoyance-free miles out of this pair. They feel great and function just fine. I'll report back as the miles climb or something happens.
The following users liked this post:
John E (06-14-2024)
#127
Member
Rockauto has REALLY good pricing on the front Bilstein's for sure, but I couldn't find rear struts on RockAuto. It's a shame if Arnott's QA is reflective of the general consensus here because back in the day when airlift was very popular Arnott was the team to beat. Good luck and I'll be following your Arnott journey.
#128
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Right on man. Keep your eye on ebay. I keep these in my wishlist. This particular item is gone but good info in the listing for reference and title to use for ebay search.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/354349444011
https://www.ebay.com/itm/354349444011
The following users liked this post:
Ultrakla$$ic (06-13-2024)
#129
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Tomorrow I do brake pad slap all the way around and brake system flush, yay!
The following users liked this post:
John E (06-14-2024)
#130
Junior Member
Rockauto has REALLY good pricing on the front Bilstein's for sure, but I couldn't find rear struts on RockAuto. It's a shame if Arnott's QA is reflective of the general consensus here because back in the day when airlift was very popular Arnott was the team to beat. Good luck and I'll be following your Arnott journey.
I'll start keeping an eye out for rear Bilstein's.
Nice car BTW. I tried to steer my wife toward pearlescent white, but I lost that one too. Yours is the right color with all the right options, very nice!
The following users liked this post:
Ultrakla$$ic (06-14-2024)
#131
Junior Member
Good stuff., John. I don't replace anything at the air connection point. Just disconnect, replace strut, reconnect and do the soapy water leak test at the connection. If it passes the test, gtg. If not, replace nut, ferrule and O-ring. What are you going to do with the Suncores and old factory struts after you install the new Bilsteins?
Regarding the replaced struts, the original failed strut went out with the trash, the first Sencore is on the car, the two defective Sencore's have been returned, and the original right side strut has been reinstalled.
I'm awaiting my credit from Sencore.
#132
Member
I'm in the same boat. So, no rear Bilstein's on Rock Auto. Hmmm. I've seen plenty of cheap eBay options, including all four corners and a compressor for under 700 bucks. I can attest the cheap stuff in my case didn't work.
I'll start keeping an eye out for rear Bilstein's.
Nice car BTW. I tried to steer my wife toward pearlescent white, but I lost that one too. Yours is the right color with all the right options, very nice!
I'll start keeping an eye out for rear Bilstein's.
Nice car BTW. I tried to steer my wife toward pearlescent white, but I lost that one too. Yours is the right color with all the right options, very nice!
After I get my rear suspension off the ground, as noted in my thread r/t AIRMATIC MALFUNCTION, I'm going to start next with the timing chain tensioners and check valves to preserve my timing chain stretch. Then on to replacing rear struts so I'm on the hunt for decent pricing with quality. Gonna keep an eye on Senecats Arnott experience and hope it's uneventful.
The following users liked this post:
John E (06-14-2024)
#133
Junior Member
Even though there's plenty of Akebono pad left and our brakes feel fine, I'm considering this Power-Stop kit. https://www.powerstop.com/product/po...S-BENZ&mo=S550 The install looks pretty straight forward. Like some of the other guys here, we plan to keep our S as long as it runs and drives well.
Regarding Brake fluid changes, I've paid a shop to do it every other year for the eight years we've owned the car. Is it difficult? do you use a Mighty Vac or some other kind of extraction device?
#134
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,856
Received 681 Likes
on
463 Posts
04 E55 AMG (totaled), 07 S550 4Matic, 14 E63S
Ok, now go look at an M275/M279 engine bay. THAT is stuffed. I have a W212 with M157 (which packages mostly like an M278) and while things are tight I just did plugs and coils. Not a big deal. There'd be even more space in a W221. Meanwhile, my 99 Dodge Ram has a 5.2L that the engine bay basically swallows whole. But that engine bay was designed to fit both an 8.0L V10 and Cummins inline 6 so, yeah, a compact pushrod V8 is nothing.
#135
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,856
Received 681 Likes
on
463 Posts
04 E55 AMG (totaled), 07 S550 4Matic, 14 E63S
Amazon.com: Mityvac MV7300 Pneumatic Air Operated Fluid Evacuator with Accessories for Draining Engine Oil or Transmission Fluid Directly Through The Dipstick Tubes : Automotive
I don't use it for oil because I really don't think that's the right thing to do (because you aren't putting eyes underneath). But for brakes (or any other fluid extraction) it works. You need an air compressor though (which I have so maybe this is a non-starter). What I do is stick the right angle bleeder adapter on the bleeder screw and let her rip. It doesn't pull too much out but then I open the door and pump the brakes 20 times for the rear, or ~10-15 times for the front (after topping off the master - DON'T forget to mark the level and fill it back to that level unless you just did pads/rotors). Add fluid, check if you are satisfied with it being clean, and close bleeder. Go around the car in the appropriate pattern. I have also used a Motive power bleeder in the past but I think I prefer the vacuum/pump method. It's totally hands off and can be done by yourself.
The following users liked this post:
John E (06-15-2024)
#136
Member
Ok, now go look at an M275/M279 engine bay. THAT is stuffed. I have a W212 with M157 (which packages mostly like an M278) and while things are tight I just did plugs and coils. Not a big deal. There'd be even more space in a W221. Meanwhile, my 99 Dodge Ram has a 5.2L that the engine bay basically swallows whole. But that engine bay was designed to fit both an 8.0L V10 and Cummins inline 6 so, yeah, a compact pushrod V8 is nothing.
The following users liked this post:
Senecat (06-15-2024)
#137
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
As far as brake flush, nothing special. On any car I've ever owned, grab a length of 1/4" vinyl tubing, attach one end to the bleeder valve, angle upwards about 4", then bend down into an old soda bottle. Crack the valve, hop in the driver seat, pump the pedal till you see clear fluid, close/tighten up the valve, move to the next caliper. Nothing to it. Keep the reservoir full.
The following users liked this post:
Ultrakla$$ic (06-15-2024)
#138
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Speaking of which, I didn't get to the brake job Friday, took the day off. I've got these ready though, and it needs to be done soon. The old pads are worn enough that the top of the pad is overlapping the outer edge of the rotor.
I've got 4 quarts of Mercedes brand brake fluid too, as I'm fairly certain this has probably never been done it the 50k mi my car has been on the road.
I've got 4 quarts of Mercedes brand brake fluid too, as I'm fairly certain this has probably never been done it the 50k mi my car has been on the road.
#139
Member
Hows the Arnott struts holding up? I'm likely about to bite the bullet and order a pair of rear struts for mine and would rather pay $1000 for both Arnotts instead of $2000 for Bilsteins for the rear. FCP Euro's lifetime warranty will help but I really dont feel like doing the job more than once so......
#140
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
So far so good. I still only have about 125mi on the replacement. The original Arnott has been great with no issues. I noticed relatively quickly the first time when the clicking started on the left side Arnott. So I think this one will be fine, but time will tell. It really is the work that is the deciding factor in that if you get a bad unit, you have to do the job again. Personally, I would feel comfortable with Arnott rears, but based on no experience, but rather a positive review from a more knowledgeable member here on the site, I think I might be more inclined to go with these guys:
https://aerosus.co.uk/mercedes/s-cla...ion-shock.html
https://aerosus.co.uk/mercedes/s-cla...ion-shock.html
#141
Member
So far so good. I still only have about 125mi on the replacement. The original Arnott has been great with no issues. I noticed relatively quickly the first time when the clicking started on the left side Arnott. So I think this one will be fine, but time will tell. It really is the work that is the deciding factor in that if you get a bad unit, you have to do the job again. Personally, I would feel comfortable with Arnott rears, but based on no experience, but rather a positive review from a more knowledgeable member here on the site, I think I might be more inclined to go with these guys:
https://aerosus.co.uk/mercedes/s-cla...ion-shock.html
https://aerosus.co.uk/mercedes/s-cla...ion-shock.html
https://rebuildmastertech.com/
Last edited by Ultrakla$$ic; 06-16-2024 at 09:29 PM.
#142
Super Member
I was even thinking of taking my rears off and sending them to RMT to get rebuilt. Read some good reviews unless anybody has heard or knows differently?????
https://rebuildmastertech.com/
https://rebuildmastertech.com/
The following users liked this post:
Ultrakla$$ic (06-17-2024)
#143
Junior Member
Installed the passenger side front Bilstein yesterday afternoon. My sixth front strut R&R so far. All went fine. Adding a fan improved the comfort level in my swampy 90 degree garage from unbearable to only miserable.
Got up early today and had the well-functioning Suncore driver’s side strut removed by about 8 am. With my wife at the ready with nut in hand, I offered up the other new Bilstein to the three point upper mounting holes. Hmmm. Why doesn’t it just pop in like the all the others? After 20 minutes, loads of instructions from Cindy, not even one stud came through enough to get a nut on. I grabbed the Suncore, same orientation, popped right in the holes. (It’s now reinstalled)
Cindy first noticed this new Bilstein looked different that the others.
I think this photo shows my second new Bilstein somehow got assembled with one major component installed *** backwards. Note, all three struts are in the same orientation in the photo with the solenoid facing up. The "dogleg" on the new Bilstein is a defect. As with the two in a row failed solenoids on Suncore struts, this major quality screwup doesn’t bolster confidence in the Bilstein brand either. Also note in the photo how the new Bilsteins have a bead of sealant applied, whereas the originals don't.
So, one new $150 Suncore strut, one new $700 Bilstein, care drives great, no codes.
Top to Bottom: New Bilstein, Suncore, Old Bilstein
Now the return and replacement from Rock Auto
Got up early today and had the well-functioning Suncore driver’s side strut removed by about 8 am. With my wife at the ready with nut in hand, I offered up the other new Bilstein to the three point upper mounting holes. Hmmm. Why doesn’t it just pop in like the all the others? After 20 minutes, loads of instructions from Cindy, not even one stud came through enough to get a nut on. I grabbed the Suncore, same orientation, popped right in the holes. (It’s now reinstalled)
Cindy first noticed this new Bilstein looked different that the others.
I think this photo shows my second new Bilstein somehow got assembled with one major component installed *** backwards. Note, all three struts are in the same orientation in the photo with the solenoid facing up. The "dogleg" on the new Bilstein is a defect. As with the two in a row failed solenoids on Suncore struts, this major quality screwup doesn’t bolster confidence in the Bilstein brand either. Also note in the photo how the new Bilsteins have a bead of sealant applied, whereas the originals don't.
So, one new $150 Suncore strut, one new $700 Bilstein, care drives great, no codes.
Top to Bottom: New Bilstein, Suncore, Old Bilstein
Now the return and replacement from Rock Auto
The following users liked this post:
doni01 (06-19-2024)
#145
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
I'm not seeing the defect.
#146
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,856
Received 681 Likes
on
463 Posts
04 E55 AMG (totaled), 07 S550 4Matic, 14 E63S
Kinda looks like the shock itself is mounted at the totally wrong angle to that big top adapter. I think the airbag was clocked wrong and so you can't just twist it back to the correct orientation.
#147
Junior Member
In the photo above, the tops of the three struts are aliened in the same plane. The struts are in the same orientation with the solenoid
facing up.
Look how the bottom of the new Bilstein (top of photo) angles down relative to the other two struts.
I didn't see the defect until I discovered it simply will not fit in the upper mounting holes and then compared it to the old Bilstein.
Maybe these pics of the original and the new Bilstein will help show the issue. Assume the baseboard is a straightedge.
New Bilstein
Original Bilstein
I think the black top bowl was mounted in the wrong orientation to the rest of the strut at the factory.
Considering W221 struts are not handed they should all share the same same geometry.
No matter, the Bilstein is headed back to Rock Auto this afternoon to be replaced and Suncore has issued full credit even though my wife is still driving around on the one of three non-defective Suncore struts.
For an arthritic man in his 70's this has been a lot flopping around on my garage floor.
facing up.
Look how the bottom of the new Bilstein (top of photo) angles down relative to the other two struts.
I didn't see the defect until I discovered it simply will not fit in the upper mounting holes and then compared it to the old Bilstein.
Maybe these pics of the original and the new Bilstein will help show the issue. Assume the baseboard is a straightedge.
New Bilstein
Original Bilstein
I think the black top bowl was mounted in the wrong orientation to the rest of the strut at the factory.
Considering W221 struts are not handed they should all share the same same geometry.
No matter, the Bilstein is headed back to Rock Auto this afternoon to be replaced and Suncore has issued full credit even though my wife is still driving around on the one of three non-defective Suncore struts.
For an arthritic man in his 70's this has been a lot flopping around on my garage floor.
#148
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
That's the shock. You can swivel it around. Just push it to the side you need.
#149
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Play with the old Bilstein. The shock body will swivel around independently of the airbag housing.
Edit: Disregard the statement of rotation. This design doesn't rotate/require strut bearing.
Edit: Disregard the statement of rotation. This design doesn't rotate/require strut bearing.
Last edited by Senecat; 06-20-2024 at 12:17 PM.
#150
Junior Member
Out of 7 struts I've laid hands on so far, this one new Bilstein is the only one that came out of the box with the wrong geometry.
I'll play with the old strut, but I don't think its adjustable in any way.