W202 Shocks replaced, Suspension still unstable

[golden1245]

Hello, I recently just replaced my original shocks with Bilstein's at 145,000 miles.

It has helped matters a little bit, but overall the car is still unstable. There is no squeaking, rattling, or any type of noise coming from the suspension so I'm wondering what it is...The car feels floaty almost at high speeds and the steering is vague and not as tight and responsive as before. (Steering damper was also changed)

Could it be the lower ball joints, lower control arm bushings, rear suspension arms? I figure it might not because there's no noise, but regardless my car is at 150,000 miles now and those parts have not been replaced. Or can it be a steering box/track rod/linkage problem?

Engine is running smooth, transmission is still ok, and paint is brilliant...but this suspension is bugging the heck out of me!

Thank you for your help.

 

[horgantrevor]

Hello, I recently just replaced my original shocks with Bilstein's at 145,000 miles.

It has helped matters a little bit, but overall the car is still unstable. There is no squeaking, rattling, or any type of noise coming from the suspension so I'm wondering what it is...The car feels floaty almost at high speeds and the steering is vague and not as tight and responsive as before. (Steering damper was also changed)

Could it be the lower ball joints, lower control arm bushings, rear suspension arms? I figure it might not because there's no noise, but regardless my car is at 150,000 miles now and those parts have not been replaced. Or can it be a steering box/track rod/linkage problem?

Engine is running smooth, transmission is still ok, and paint is brilliant...but this suspension is bugging the heck out of me!

Thank you for your help.

Have you changed the springs they will need to be done H&R lowering spring will improve ride and give a tighter feel from handling as you have lowered the Center of gravity and the springs are stiffer

Front wishbones bushes would give you a better feel through the sterling
Rear subframe bushes would help also

But I bet your springs have seen better days

 

[golden1245]

Hmm, my springs are still original but I would have never thought that was the problem. I thought springs actually last a very very long time...

I may decide to change them if anyone else can cancel out the other problems...I would just go with stock springs because my shocks are just normal bilstieins, not the sport version.

Is the "wishbone" the lower control arm? Sorry not familiar with that term =X

 

[horgantrevor]

Your front wishbone is also known as the front control arm yes

You have the wrong shocks if you didn't fit sport ones as the c230 k would have had them fitted im sure

As for the Wobblie feeling it can only be the springs think about it 150000 miles on them

The new shocks will be working a lot harder then they should be to try and prevent the wobble

Stock springs may cost more then h&r ones and people with c43 put h&r on their cars I am also soon do a search on the site and read about them

Black 55 also know. As olly will be able to help you f you pm him

 

[andy27168]

Hi I had very similar symptons as yours on mine 230k replacing the lower arms ball joints and a 4 wheel alignment check and it was driving better than it had when I bought it at 24500 miles 9 years 100,000 miles later.

 

[grober]

" Floating" is liable to be springs/shocks " wandering" is more likely to be suspension/steering linkages but of course could be a mixture of both.

 

[BlackC55]

Rather than guessing at what the problem is can I suggest getting all the bushes and joints looked at by a specilaist. It could save you £££££ in th elong run.

I expect after that mileage the lower arm bushes are probably shot as well as the anti-roll bar and possibly ball joints.

The rear subframe bushes on 202's are normally pretty robust but work a check anyway.

 

[golden1245]

ahh ok thank you very much everyone I will pay a diagnostic fee to get it looked at and get a list of things needed done.

 

[golden1245]

Quick question also...what about the 8 rear control arms? Are those usually pretty robust or do they need replacing at this mileage too/lead to poor handling? I found a Meyle HD Kit of all 8 for only $250. Found a youtube instructional video on how to replace all 8 as well, seems like a piece of cake.

 

[DRBC43AMG]

I would also check the rear suspension bushes too. Look at the rear frame also. Any sloppiness in those areas will lead to poor handling. Kit is cheap for the price you quoted. Can you post the link to the video?

 

[golden1245]

sure no problem!

Part 1: Mercedes w202 C-230 suspension replacement Part-1 rear shock absorbers - YouTube

Part 2: Mercedes w202 c-230 suspension rebuild Part-2 rear suspensio - YouTube

Part 3: Mercedes w202 rear suspension control arms replacement part 3 - YouTube

 

[mercville]

my god i have the same problem with my 230 k but it only done 76000..iv only bought it a few weeks ago and spent a bit of money having the front and steering checked but they all say it ok and nothing needs doing,,,please help

 

[golden1245]

Figured out what the culprit was...bad lower control arm bushings, lower ball joints, worn tie rods and steering rack. Had all that replaced for $800. Now the car feels almost like brand new.

Give that a try!

 

[tim.100]

Rather than guessing at what the problem is can I suggest getting all the bushes and joints looked at by a specilaist. It could save you £££££ in th elong run.

I expect after that mileage the lower arm bushes are probably shot as well as the anti-roll bar and possibly ball joints.

The rear subframe bushes on 202's are normally pretty robust but work a check anyway.

Olly fitted lots of suspension parts to mine at 90k and it rides as new (I should know, left the showroom in it in 1997)

They're ultimately consumables, and UK road humps/holes reduce the life of the parts.