Need some advice on shocks
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 432
Likes: 7
From: Albuquerque, NM
09' E350, 01' Maxima SE, 93 Nissan Maxima SE, 1987 Nissan Maxima SE
Need some advice on shocks
I've been reading posts about shocks going bad. For some time I'm thinking about buying a set of Bilstein HD shocks. That I usually can do the job myself however my thoughts on it, how difficult is it in removing and installing shocks. Any advice for those who have done it. Do you have to have the entire suspension assembly removed to get to the shocks??? or just jack the car up and just unbolt the shocks just like that? Lastly, is there a wheel alignment necessary after doing a shocks job?
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Joined: Sep 2004
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On the W210 E-Class, the shocks can be replaceed without removing the springs. For the rear, you do have to remove some of the panelling in the trunk in order to access the tops of the shocks.
Keep in mind the Bilstein HD's are a firmly valved shock, and the ride harshness will increase some. We generally recommend KONI's, especially if you're looking to retain the comfort on the harsh city streets.
An alignment isn't necessary for just replacing shocks. You're not touching any component that will change the alignment settings.
Keep in mind the Bilstein HD's are a firmly valved shock, and the ride harshness will increase some. We generally recommend KONI's, especially if you're looking to retain the comfort on the harsh city streets.
An alignment isn't necessary for just replacing shocks. You're not touching any component that will change the alignment settings.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 432
Likes: 7
From: Albuquerque, NM
09' E350, 01' Maxima SE, 93 Nissan Maxima SE, 1987 Nissan Maxima SE
Thanks for the info. You guys are awesome. I knew that you would have to take the trunk liner to get to the shocks in the rear, go figure. I thought it would be more complicated than that. 
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As a rule of thumb, whenever a suspension part is uninstalled and reinstalled, it is the best to do the alignment again. Even if you just take out (or loosen up) the stock shocks/springs and re-install the same suspension back on. I am a bit surprised to hear that changing the shocks does not need to do re-alignment.
HOWEVER, I do suggest to my customers that if you do not find the alignment of your car being off (after any alteration to the suspension), it is okay not to re-align the car. This is commenting from a money saving point of view. If anyone wants to do things "properly", then it is the best to do a re-alignment after the shocks or springs have been changed.
HOWEVER, I do suggest to my customers that if you do not find the alignment of your car being off (after any alteration to the suspension), it is okay not to re-align the car. This is commenting from a money saving point of view. If anyone wants to do things "properly", then it is the best to do a re-alignment after the shocks or springs have been changed.
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From: SoCal
2002 C230 : 2007 C230
Originally Posted by Harris
I am a bit surprised to hear that changing the shocks does not need to do re-alignment.
