Suspension spheres

[Creamy]

Hi,

I got the car up on ramps and had a look at what the job entailed and likely cost based on ECP spheres @ <£60 each plus some pipes & fluid. I then looked up at the clouds in the sky, and at the list of other things I would prefer to do with my time.

So I spoke to my local garage who employ an ex-Merc (of 12 years) mechanic who is familiar with the job, and decided to let them deal with it and get a guarantee on the work.

Dropped it in Monday afternoon, collected Tuesday, total cost £315 including a protective coat of sealant on the (very expensive to replace) front-to-rear pipes. Made a huge improvement!

Well worth the money in my view. As a regular customer of theirs, I can recommend Moor View Motors if you are in the vicinity.
http : //www. moorviewmotorssw. co. uk/

Just need to get the fuel pump seals done now ...

 

[Kruger]

I'm considering doing this myself - any advice?

 

[Will]

I'm considering doing this myself - any advice?

Probably worth checking the condition of the hydraulic lines as you’ll be draining fluid off and refilling afterwards so would be a good opportunity to replace any suspect looking bits.

If the radial pump looks oily on the outside or the hydraulic fluid is very dark it may need an overhaul with new seals. Not sure on the 123/280TE but on other models they tend to wick engine oil out through the camshaft drive area. New oil seals and gaskets are fairly cheap if required.

Also consider servicing the levelling valve and checking it moves freely.

Struts are okay I assume - not weeping and the bushes are in good order?

Good luck

 

[a111r]

On the 123 the sphere are quite 'in-board' compared to a 210, so you'll need it up on stands and be working under it.
Spray the pipe unions with penetrant well in advance, as that is usually the hardest part of the job.

If the fluid is at all dark, replace it all (3L). There is also a fluid filter in the return line (in the filler cap).
Hard to find anywhere on-line but actually OTC at MB, the same part is used on the 210 and probably the 124.

 

[Will]

Not sure if the 123TE has the same sort of pump but these images are from one of the pumps on a later W201 that I overhauled a few years back









The fluid should be fairly clean in colour.

You can buy the correct ZHM fluid from aftermarket suppliers, Febi do it cheaper than the main dealers - flush it all through (you can disconnect the return line for the reservoir)