How easy is it to change suspension?

[jontyash]

Hi all,

I've had my W208 CLK320 for four months now. It's a lovely car and I've already spent £1400 on a gearbox service, full service, MAF and Crankshaft sensors, fog light lens etc etc at a local MB specialist.

Trouble is, is the suspension has bottomed out a couple of times recently so I think it's time to replace them as the car's done 130,000. I'm short of cash now so can't really afford the £800 the garage is quoting.

I want to do it myself but I've never done it before - has anyone done this themselves and if so -
1. How easy is it?
2. Do I need any special tools?
3. What are the best parts to get?
4. Do I need to change the springs at the same time as the shocks?

Any advice would be much appreciated!

Thanks

 

[John Jones Jr]

Not difficult at all. Fitting shocks couldn't be more straight forward, no special tools required either. Springs again are straight forward provided you buy the correct spring compressor, £100 on eBay if you can't get a loan of one.
Check online for prices of both springs & shocks, you could buy both all in for £300 but wiser imo to spend around £500. Check out eBay.de, best prices I've come across. E.g. 4 x Koni adjustables & 4 x Eibach springs for €580 delivered.Also look at H&R kits, great value. Above mentioned will lower the car and improve handling above factory standard spec.
If, you want to keep factory spec look just look for OEM parts, they are there too for sale.

 

[John Jones Jr]

Oh, I should mention make sure you have an easy to use jack, small trolley jack will do @ £25 or so and axle stands, level ground to work on and take you time!

 

[vealige]

There should be plenty of guides online on how to change suspension it is pretty easy but it depends on your confidence, what tools you have to hand etc. You can get spring compressors for around £20. The trick is to take your time really and be logical in what you do. Also look to replace things like top mounts and any associated bolts with new as you may as well whilst its all off stupid not to really and I'm always suprised by how many people don't bother then have to do it a few 1000 miles down the road.

 

[John Jones Jr]

Do not buy these:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0001KA0JU/?tag=amazon0e9db-21

Buy these:

http://www.ebay.de/itm/5pc-Coil-Spr...t=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item5d3f9de879

 

[jontyash]

Awesome, thanks John Jones Jr, much appreciated.

You say to also change the top mounts - what other parts should I be changing at the same time?

 

[jontyash]

There should be plenty of guides online on how to change suspension.

Thanks for this - do you know of any as I've done a search but can't find a merc one?

Cheers for the input!

 

[John Jones Jr]

At 130K miles I reckon all of the suspension needs to be placed by rights, that's presuming of course nothing was done to it from new, which is unlikely.

Personally, I'd stick with just the shocks first especially that you are on a budget. And you can replace any obvious worn parts as you find. Then see how the car drives.

Remember, the W202 C-Class is the same chassis as your W208, so there's a lot of inter changeability on parts. So, search W202 parts also as you'll get greater results.

 

[John Jones Jr]

Here's just an example @ £374 delivered. But as always it pays to shop around, doubt you'll buy this kit cheaper though.

Koni STR.T Fahrwerk Mercedes Benz CLK-Klasse W208 Coupé CLK320 40/40mm 1120-7492 | eBay

 

[Dieselman]

There should be plenty of guides online on how to change suspension it is pretty easy but it depends on your confidence, what tools you have to hand etc. You can get spring compressors for around £20. The trick is to take your time really and be logical in what you do. Also look to replace things like top mounts and any associated bolts with new as you may as well whilst its all off stupid not to really and I'm always suprised by how many people don't bother then have to do it a few 1000 miles down the road.

This is a W208, so no Maccy-D-fooson struts, it uses double wishbones, and no £20 spring compressor will either fit or be strong enough.

Rears can be done quite easily by jacking up the inner arm joint then removing the pivot bolt and lowering the arm, but for the fronts he will either need the correct spring compressor or...

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/wheels-tyres-brakes-suspension/155163-redneck-spring-swap.html

 

[jontyash]

Brilliant thanks guys, much appreciated. I love the redneck spring change too - great idea. I'll let you know how I get on - hope to do this after next pay cheque!

 

[jontyash]

Took the car for a quick spin this afternoon and it bottomed out twice on the road - eek!

John Jones - the suspension you recommended from German ebay - would that lower the car by 40mm? If so, am I likely to have bottoming out issues?

 

[jontyash]

Can you recommend a good parts company in the UK? I wanted to do this job this weekend?