W124 Sphere Parts?

[legrandfromage]

My old 300TD has been very bouncy for a while, so I guess it's time to replace the "spheres".

I've accumulated the following parts, but I'm a bit worried as they look significantly different from the diagrams at Under Construction . I'm hoping this is just an artefact of the diagrams!

2 x second hand spheres

2 x A 124 997 05 82 - flexible lines to hydraulic ram (probably won't need these)

A 124 320 03 72 64 - I've no idea what the extra "64" is for. But it's hopefully the line from the height control valve to the LEFT sphere.

A 124 320 04 72 64 - Line from height control valve to RIGHT sphere.

A 124 320 19 72 - Line from sphere to (flexible lines to) ram (LEFT)
A 124 320 20 72 - Line from sphere to (flexible lines to) ram (RIGHT)

I'm slightly concerned as "Inchcape" told me that "A1243200372 and A1243200472 are incorrect for your car. The correct part numbers should be A1234205928 and A1234205428." I queried this and they just sent what I asked for.

If I have the correct parts, now all I need are some 16mm copper washers and some 10mm nyloc nuts and I'm good to go. Unless I've completely messed up of course....

 

[Will]

I wouldn't be looking to fit second hand accumulators - false economy IMHO considering the mess/labour aspect of this job.

Obviously you'll also need some ZHM hydraulic fluid, you can buy this from Febi for much less than MB charge (I am fairly sure MB bottles are identic with different labels!)

Will

 

[jaymanek]

Yes again its really false economy to use second hand spheres.. You can buy OEM quality ones from Euro/GSF for £70-80 or so.

The fluid you can get from GSF and its a lot cheaper than MB.

 

[legrandfromage]

In hindsight, I probably would have bought new spheres, but initially I thought they were all I would have to replace. After reading around, I realised that corroded pipes were the major issue.

I bought the spheres from German SPOB: MERCEDES NEUTEILE & GEBRAUCHTTEILE & REGENERIERTE ERSATZTEILE & ZUBRHRTEILE and they're supposedly inspected. Fingers crossed!

 

[millo777]

You also need new seals for the spheres, part number a1249970940 which at £1.51 each from inchcape, copper crush washers for the banjo unions, and 6 stainless nyloc 10mm bolts to attach the new spheres, part number N910113006000 and 54p each from Inchcape.

I'm doing the same thing at the moment, accumulating the parts in the hope of dry day when i can get the job done.

Make sure you get an 11m flare nut spanner as well, as you'll need it to loosen the return pipes. You can get a draper one for about £3 on ebay.

I'd be interested to hear how you get on if you go ahead with the job. Maybe post a few pics?

 

[SilverSaloon]

watch out for the W123 brake pipe they now use as a replacement for the drivers side sphere return pipe (see my previous posts on the subject)

 

[Dieselman]

As others, second hand spheres will most likely be a disaster unless you can have them tested before fitting.

You've reminded me I need to get my adapter jig built up. I'll try and do it next week.

 

[legrandfromage]

I've ordered the copper washers (N910113006000) as suggested. No idea why I didn't do that before!

I already have the rubber seals, and the hollow bolts that go into the spheres.

They did try to send be some 123 brake pipes, but I seem to have the proper 124 parts. One of them does look very short however!

 

[ap999]

My S124 is nearing 150k miles and I believe it still has the original rear spheres.

Can someone explain what symptoms I would expect if the spheres are worn?

 

[jaymanek]

Bouncy Rear Suspension with little damping... Go over a speed bump, the rear end will feel like jelly.

 

[putra_medan29]

have u try this before?
autosparepartusa.com

 

[SilverSaloon]

have u try this before?
autosparepartusa.com

this is a forum based in the UK so unlikely to be a competitive price if you factor in shipping costs from USA.

I replaced the spheres on my silver 124 a few months ago. ECP with the 25% discount is best price you can get delivered with 5% top cashback on that too.

I also need to do the green 124 now too - i'll be back to ECP.

the parts i got were Febi Bilstien spheres from ECP.

 

[legrandfromage]

The spheres have been done, and what an incredible difference! I don't even notice bumps that previously caused my head to hit the roof, it's quite uncannily smooth! I'll go so far as to say, that the old car has one of the smoothest, most comfortable rides I have experienced in any car!

 

[jaymanek]

Yep that'll be a W124 then.

 

[Dieselman]

Yep that'll be a W124 then.

Only if it has SLS.

There are many benefits to gas sphere suspension. Soft and floppy, but with infinitely rising spring rate.

On saturday night I happened to go down a very potholed track in one of my old crocks.
The ride quality was still good and the traction excellent...but it could do with a bit of a wash now...or some sponsors stickers...

 

[jaymanek]

Yes W124 estates ride beautifully... as do all mercs with SLS...

I cannot understand why people want to get rid of SLS for normal shocks and springs..

I am very choosy about which car I use this time of year... poor old 190E and G Wagon are getting dirty on a daily basis at the moment.