Spring Shim Thickness - how to identify

[proser]

Can soneone help me in identify where the 'burls' are on the shims, just so I can work out what ones I have currently

 

[partsspecialist]

see if this pic helps.
They are not very big, just little rubber pips on the outer edge

 

[Alps]

there are little bits which stick out around the circumfrence of the shim, you should be able to see them ... or fell them, the number of little bumps specifies the # of the shim pad thickness.

 

[renault12ts]

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w210-e-class/1368897-help-tips-diys-chassis-brakes-exhaust.html

Scroll down the page, the photos show you exactly what you want.

 

[proser]

there are little bits which stick out around the circumfrence of the shim, you should be able to see them ... or fell them, the number of little bumps specifies the # of the shim pad thickness.

If only it was that easy. The pads sit so far inside the perch that the only way I am going to find out is to remove the springs

 

[renault12ts]

If only it was that easy. The pads sit so far inside the perch that the only way I am going to find out is to remove the springs

The normal method is to feel around with fingers. I've never heard of anyone checking by removing the spring. The pips face downwards when the rubber is installed.

 

[proser]

Just got off the phone from a very helpful dealer and they were able to tell me what I have fitted to the vehicle:

Front: 21mm 5 burls
Rear: 13mm 3 burls

So, at least I can reduce the height by 8mm by just changing them.

 

[renault12ts]

Just got off the phone from a very helpful dealer and they were able to tell me what I have fitted to the vehicle:

Front: 21mm 5 burls
Rear: 13mm 3 burls

So, at least I can reduce the height by 8mm by just changing them.

What height are you now at the front? Measure from wheel centre to top of arch.

 

[proser]

They measure 14.75" front and back.

I have just fitted a set of 18" rims and think that it needs to sit a little lower

but not sure if an 8mm drop will be enough though.

 

[renault12ts]

Mine are 13.75 and 14.75 F & R respectively. But I hit everything including apparently unrutted roads in the West of Ireland. Very hard to live with.

 

[grober]

Because of the "lever effect" of the "inner" spring position on the suspension arm relative to the position of the outer ball joint AKA suspension upright lowering the pad thickness 8mm will result in a greater lowering of the wheel position in the arch. Someone worked this ratio out at one time but can't remember off hand exactly.

 

[renault12ts]

Photo.

 

[proser]

For the cost of replacement pads, I might just go for it and see what it looks like after.
The one lucky thing is that I will only need to get a thinner pair for the back, as the ones on there now are the size I need for the front

 

[grober]

For the cost of replacement pads, I might just go for it and see what it looks like after.
The one lucky thing is that I will only need to get a thinner pair for the back, as the ones on there now are the size I need for the front

Different diameter of spring coils I think so front pads won't fit rear AFAIK

 

[proser]

Because of the "lever effect" of the "inner" spring position on the suspension arm relative to the position of the outer ball joint AKA suspension upright lowering the pad thickness 8mm will result in a greater lowering of the wheel position in the arch. Someone worked this ratio out at one time but can't remember off hand exactly.

Just found what you are on about - came from DM. it works out a 2x the affect.
This should be okay as that's only 16mm ( .6 inch) so still not too bad

 

[proser]

Different diameter of spring coils I think so front pads won't fit rear AFAIK

No worries, still won't break the bank

 

[renault12ts]

Mine are 13.75 and 14.75 F & R respectively. But I hit everything including apparently unrutted roads in the West of Ireland. Very hard to live with.

Had my car up on 230ks car lift last night. Discovered two broken springs at the front which accounts for the low ride height and scraping the ground!!!!!!!

 

[proser]

what a bummer, but a least you know the problem and it's an easy fix.