How can i check

[BAZZER1]

Getting a hard ride on my 2002 W210 e320cdi Avantgarde Estate, before spending unnecessary money for parts, how can I check that the Spheres might need replacing, is there a simple check, I have looked at the Suspension Fluid Reservoir and this seems ok, the fluid is at the correct level and not Black in colour, bit confused about this ?? I seem to feel every bump I go over, Just passed its MOT last week and would have thought if it were broken Springs or anything else, the Garage would have found this out.
Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks Guys
BAZZER1

 

[renault12ts]

I will be interested in this answer too...I have the same symptoms.

 

[BAZZER1]

I will be interested in this answer too...I have the same symptoms.

Have bitten the bullet and bought new Suspension Spheres and genuine Mercedes MA001 989 20 03 12 Suspension Fluid, having the Spheres fitted tomorrow, will let you know if this cures the hard ride on the Avantgarde which considering the cost for this, I hope that it will.

Best regards
BAZZER1

 

[deian]

is there any easy way to bleed the system, it might be full of air, but it could be the spheres are kerput, I.e it's just full of fluid and not nitrogen.

 

[jaymanek]

It's a self bleeding circulating system. Just start the car, top up as the level drops. Go for a drive and then check again.

Hope the unions aren't too rusty!

 

[BAZZER1]

Apparently after the Merc Specialist checked, both of the Spheres are ok, one of the Front Springs will need replacing soon, so will have both done, apart from that, the report is that the Avantgarde is a sports type suspension which apparently again is a firm to stiff ride, so may try softer compound tyre Hankook Ventus Prime 2 215-55-R16 93V when I have to change my tyres next time.

 

[bing]

Apparently after the Merc Specialist checked, both of the Spheres are ok, one of the Front Springs will need replacing soon, so will have both done, apart from that, the report is that the Avantgarde is a sports type suspension which apparently again is a firm to stiff ride, so may try softer compound tyre Hankook Ventus Prime 2 215-55-R16 93V when I have to change my tyres next time.

Well, the question is has it always been a hard ride since your ownership or has it just recently got harder ? There's firm and there's hard/stiff/thumping ride . If it's the latter then it's not right and usually new spheres will cure it, but not always! Worse case, you're looking at new hydrostruts which are not cheap . How many miles on the car ?

 

[BAZZER1]

Well, the question is has it always been a hard ride since your ownership or has it just recently got harder ? There's firm and there's hard/stiff/thumping ride . If it's the latter then it's not right and usually new spheres will cure it, but not always! Worse case, you're looking at new hydrostruts which are not cheap . How many miles on the car ?

The Merc Specialist did carry out a thorough test while I watched him do this, and came to the conclusion about the Spheres, He didn't mention the Struts, but I will check this out with him, The Avantgarde does have what is called Sports Self Levelling Suspension and it is a Firm Ride, I can feel it when going over a rough surface or bumps in the road, maybe when I have the new Springs fitted this might improve the ride.
It has done 130000 on the clock.
Thanks for your reply on this
BAZZER1

 

[bing]

The Merc Specialist did carry out a thorough test while I watched him do this, and came to the conclusion about the Spheres, He didn't mention the Struts, but I will check this out with him, The Avantgarde does have what is called Sports Self Levelling Suspension and it is a Firm Ride, I can feel it when going over a rough surface or bumps in the road, maybe when I have the new Springs fitted this might improve the ride.
It has done 130000 on the clock.
Thanks for your reply on this
BAZZER1

At that mileage you are probably looking at worn rubber. If the struts are not leaking check the top rubber bushings as discussed here: http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/whee...on/97323-w210-sls-rear-strut-service-kit.html