Rear spring query (Vito 447)

[Smithy860]

Morning all,

I noticed yesterday the van was maybe leaning a little one way, (I was following it).
I looked underneath and although it’s parked on a. Slight angle the springs look very different. The second picture, the spring looks way shorter and also has a conical gromit type thing going through the middle unlike the left side.
Could anyone educate me as to what’s going on, I can’t feel any breaks in the spring .

 

[Smithy860]

Morning all,

I noticed yesterday the van was maybe leaning a little one way, (I was following it).
I looked underneath and although it’s parked on a. Slight angle the springs look very different. The second picture, the spring looks way shorter and also has a conical gromit type thing going through the middle unlike the left side.
Could anyone educate me as to what’s going on, I can’t feel any breaks in the spring .

Ok so on further looking. The number in the right spring is standard. The left spring is a lowered spring. It’s about 15mm lower.
Do I change it though?

 

[StMarks]

Ok so on further looking. The number in the right spring is standard. The left spring is a lowered spring. It’s about 15mm lower.
Do I change it though?

I was going to say that the spring on the left looked different (from mine, on a 639 which I believe is fundamentally similar in this aspect).
The Spring on the right looks precisely the same as the ones I have.
I know them well, as I have replaced both broken springs myself (despite them appearing visually in good condition, the end few inches shear off). Presumably this is a fairly frequent occurrence, so perhaps a previous owner of your van sourced a replacement secondhand item, without realising it was a lowered version.
Fwiw I wouldn't want to run on uneven springs.: The altered geometry is bound to have some effect, wouldn't you think.??

 

[Smithy860]

I was going to say that the spring on the left looked different (from mine, on a 639 which I believe is fundamentally similar in this aspect).
The Spring on the right looks precisely the same as the ones I have.
I know them well, as I have replaced both broken springs myself (despite them appearing visually in good condition, the end few inches shear off). Presumably this is a fairly frequent occurrence, so perhaps a previous owner of your van sourced a replacement secondhand item, without realising it was a lowered version.
Fwiw I wouldn't want to run on uneven springs.: The altered geometry is bound to have some effect, wouldn't you think.??

Yes I think you’re right, it’s been put on thinking it’s correct when actually it’s a lowering spring. I also agree that they want changing really, as you say the altered geometry must have an impact on another parts

 

[Smithy860]

Yeah I decided to change the uneven springs. Going to pick a rear pair up this week

 

[Petrol Pete]

Both appear to have part numbers printed on them , not clear in photos but appear to be different numbers , and , of course, the obvious visual difference between them is obvious.

New matched pair is the best decision

 

[m80]

If it's as the 639 it's an easy job, and springs aren't expensive.
Swap 'em both for new Sachs would be my choice.

 

[SpikyMikey]

I always do springs & shocks in pairs. Maybe a bit OCD but it feels like the correct thing to do.

 

[Smithy860]

Any ideas what that bottom bolt number is ?
It says N 000000 004236 but it doesn’t seem to yield any results?

 

[m80]

Can you find it here

Mercedes > Mercedes EPC Online > nemigaparts.com

Parts catalogs. Spare parts catalog Mercedes EPC Online. Mercedes.

nemigaparts.com

 

[Smithy860]

Yes to be honest that’s what gives me that number I posted. Strange I can’t get anything off that. I’ll contact merc parts dealer

 

[SpikyMikey]

It does exist, but probably just as easy to get your friendly dealership on the case.
Buy the spare part Mercedes-Benz N000000004236 hexagon head bolt

 

[Smithy860]

Morning , could anyone tell me the torque value for the lower bolts on the rear shock absorbers please on a Vito 447? I’ve heard 130nm but struggling to find anything definitive
Thankyou.