Replace Shocks on W202 C36

[rees_A]

Mick,

The old shocks were about the same size, the fitter did say the new ones weren't as stiff??? He pushed down the old ones/new ones and the new ones didn't bounce back as quickly as the old ones and he said there was less resistence on the new ones, not sure what this means though. I have a feeling that the new ones are a little softer although it may just be that the old ones weren't working very well because they were worn. One other quick note, the fitter said the old offside shock was rubbing slightly against the car. The bit of metal that runs parallel to the shock, not sure what it is. I wonder if this is what was making a light noise at full lock. Anyway, seems to have gone away now as the fitter said the new one doesn't touch the car.

 

[grasmere]

The old shocks were about the same size, the fitter did say the new ones weren't as stiff??? He pushed down the old ones/new ones and the new ones didn't bounce back as quickly as the old ones and he said there was less resistence on the new ones, not sure what this means though. I have a feeling that the new ones are a little softer although it may just be that the old ones weren't working very well because they were worn. One other quick note, the fitter said the old offside shock was rubbing slightly against the car. The bit of metal that runs parallel to the shock, not sure what it is. I wonder if this is what was making a light noise at full lock. Anyway, seems to have gone away now as the fitter said the new one doesn't touch the car.

Phew - I dont understand all that Alan

I understand about shocks and testing and fitting them etc I just dont get your post !

'the fitter did say the new ones weren't as stiff, the new ones dont bounce back as quick as the old ones, theres less resistance on the new ones and the new ones are softer,

Ah well, as long as your happy

 

[GrahamC230K]

I don't think you can test the shocks by just depressing them. Mine didn't feel much different really when pushed by hand but were vastly different on the car.

I think Dieselman has an explanation in a different thread.

Also mine differed in physical length, but when fitted they compressed to the same level as before.

 

[grasmere]

Also mine differed in physical length, but when fitted they compressed to the same level as before.

thats right of course, its the spring height (length) and pads that determine ride height and the shocks will compress to the natural length.

The ride feel is determined by how responsive or quick the shock can move - ie "stiffer means a harder ride" - if you pardon the expression

 

[Will]

Phew - I dont understand all that Alan

I understand about shocks and testing and fitting them etc I just dont get your post !

'the fitter did say the new ones weren't as stiff, the new ones dont bounce back as quick as the old ones, theres less resistance on the new ones and the new ones are softer,

Ah well, as long as your happy

Me neither - are you sure he doesn't mean the other way around? Perhaps your old ones were/are significantly different, but on mine the new dampers were much, much stiffer than the old ones?!? Much, much more resisitance in my case.

 

[rees_A]

Sorry for confusing post. I didn't understand what the fitter was saying either, all I know is, when depressed(Didn't try it myself so can't comment on firmness but did watch the guy do it) the new ones took much longer to return to their original position.....What this means in terms of how stiff/efficient they are I don't know...

I like the way the car feels now, the ride height is still the same as it was before ( I think it has been lowered as my bro has one that sits higher than mine) If anyone knows how to check this I would appreciate it(I guess measuring from the floor to bottom of car/wheel arch would be the way but don't know what the orignal setting was so have no way of know if mine is lowered, the distance between floor and bottom of side skirt by drivers door is 125mm on my car.) and it seems smoother over uneven roads, drains etc.

Alan

 

[mickl]

maybe they are just a bit more progressive in their damping than the older shocks.

 

[rees_A]

Just a quick update..Had shocks on for a few days now, much better than old ones, ride is smoother, cornering better, feels like a much better car now. Would recommend buying if you need new shocks I'm well happy with them.

Alan

 

[mickl]

oh sounds good, just ordered a set off the Ebay seller.

 

[rees_A]

I think thats virtually all of the C36 AMG owners have now replaced for these shocks hehe

 

[altreed]

and no complaints!!!