SL/R231: How to tell if Damptronic shocks/struts need replacing?
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2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
How to tell if Damptronic shocks/struts need replacing?
I know the old school way of bouncing a corner to see if a shock or strut is bad. Or visually inspecting them for leakage. But I was wondering if there is a way using XENTRY to determine if they are weakening and need replacing.
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One of the reasons I go to the dealer, mostly for oil changes, is the fact that every time they also do a free overall inspection of the car....and it is documented on my receipt !
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2020 GLC300 -2013 Sl550 - 1997 SL600
These cars are pretty stiff too, so bounce test may be tough to get quantitative results.
Barring any defects, and unusual driving conditions, they should last 75,000 miles….
I’ll probably go to the B6’s at about 50k miles or so. Issue right now is rear strut is national back ordered from Bilstein. 😕
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Thanks. I don't think mine are needing replacement, but I am at about 48,000 miles and sometimes the ride doesn't feel as firm as I think it should. But that's not very objective. And, honestly, I can't tell much difference between the Sport and Comfort modes.
On another note, I was going to replace my engine mounts as a matter of routine maintenance but looking at the little cutout in the side of the mount, that do not appear compressed at all. On my C350 with 128,000 miles, on the other hand, the driver's side seems to be fully collapsed and the passenger side has about ⅛" to go. I'll be replacing those and the tranny mount soon.
On another note, I was going to replace my engine mounts as a matter of routine maintenance but looking at the little cutout in the side of the mount, that do not appear compressed at all. On my C350 with 128,000 miles, on the other hand, the driver's side seems to be fully collapsed and the passenger side has about ⅛" to go. I'll be replacing those and the tranny mount soon.
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crconsulting (06-28-2024)
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2020 GLC300 -2013 Sl550 - 1997 SL600
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Last edited by crconsulting; 06-28-2024 at 10:32 PM.
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Thanks again. As always, very helpful information.