W124 hard suspension and rattles over bumps

[vin230]

Hi Folks

My W124 230CE seems a little low at the front, is very hard over bumps (not quite the magic carpet ride one might expect) and rattles slightly over harsh bumps.

Is this likely to be in need of new springs, shocks, wishbone / anti roll bar bushes, or combination of some of these?

 

[Ade B]

I'd suspect a broken spring or two. Have you jacked up the front & popped a wheel off to check.

Ade

 

[Roger Jones]

A magic-carpet ride is not what you get from a W124 CE, so make sure your expectations aren't too high. Mine's a Sportline and it's magic timbered floor, but not as hard as the concrete floor under my first-generation Sportline on my W124 300E twin turbo. MBs of this generation are all on the firm side (W140 apart, I guess) and those expecting a Citroen ride are usually surprised or disappointed, or both. All that said, once accustomed to the firmness I think it's fair to say that comfort isn't compromised and long journeys are a pleasure, not least because of the quality of the furnishings.

Nevertheless, from what you report, it would be worth getting your front end looked at.

 

[grober]

firm not harsh

If the car is on original springs and dampers the ride should be firm but far from harsh. If its been lowered and otherwise modified with aftermarket components or running very low profile tyres some ill chosen modifications can completely ruin the ride. As the previous posters have said have a good look at the front springs for breakages especially at the bottom where they sit in the suspension arm. Its a very common fault! You should be able to inspect the springs by simply jacking up the car and removing the wheel as if you had a flat tyre.

 

[Uberwagon]

My fresh set of genuine Top Mounts sorted this problem on my 500E.

Dave!

 

[Vectrolosys]

My W124 300TE suffered from a low front end, this was resolved with a new pair of springs. As already stated, get your wheels off to take a look. My drivers side spring was perched on the wishbone, with only the anti roll bar holding it in!!

 

[vin230]

I had a W124 CE a few years ago, it was firm.

Mine new one is harsh.

Update : It has been jacked up, springs and shocks are good (although they may probably be a little weak).

Steering damper has lost all its jiuce, and when the front wheels are off the floor, Engine off, the steering is very stiff.

Local German car specialst thinks that the harshness iand stiffness is a siezed steering compones, he suspects the lower ball joints, but would need to start stripping down to find when it frees up to identify the siezed part.

Also get a very loud squeek going over large speed bumps, which chap says points to lower ball joint or lower arm. So I will book it in for an hour's strip down and diagnosis.

The damper looks easy so I will do that myself.