W210 E240 Estate Rear Shock Leaking

[grahamf505]

I noticed the weekend whilst changing the rear brake pads that my O/S/R shock is weeping hydraulic fluid. It looks like its been like this for some time. My question is, how easy is it to replace the shock and should I replace both at the same time. Given they appear to be about £200 each, I'd prefer to change just the one if possible so long as this doesn't upset the handling and balance of the car.

Car is four and a half years old and milage is only 69,000 (last 25,000 in my care and mostly Motorway milage with no load) so I'm surprised its failed this early.

I'm a competent home mechanic and would prefer to do the job myself rather than pay the Merc dealer to do it, but I'm not sure if any specialst tools or techniques are needed.

Anybody done the job themselves and is it tricky or straightforward?

Graham

 

[BlackC55]

Ive done a few. They are not dificult to do at all.

I would also replace a pair never one on its own. After nearly 70k they would be well worn in.

The rear shocks are prone to leaking and will weep for years without any adverse effects. How bad is it?

 

[BlackC55]

When I mean weep, i mean very slight leak......

 

[Dave Lewis]

I would also replace a pair never one on its own.

Since it's an estate, with self-levelling, these are hydraulic struts, not actually dampers, since this function is carried out by the accumulators. So changing just one should be fine.

 

[grahamf505]

Thanks for you replies. It's not too bad at the moment, I'm just getting a build up of muck/fluid around the base of the shock. From what you guys say, it doesn't sound too difficult. Do I need to bleed or prime the hydraulic system after fitting a new one(s), or will it all sort itself out OK like what tends to happen in the case when I've replaced a power steering reack on my good old Peugeot 505 Estate (p.s. better ride quality than my Merc!)

 

[Dieselman]

The system should self bleed, especially if you operate the height corrector a few times.

If the ride quality is poor then the suspension spheres may be worn out. This causes a bumpy ride and will exaccerbate the leakage as the pressure rises very quickly over bumps.

Can't you just buy new seals for the hydraulic rams?

 

[fuzzer]

Since it's an estate, with self-levelling, these are hydraulic struts, not actually dampers, since this function is carried out by the accumulators. So changing just one should be fine.

to be honest with you , id be inclined to go down the route that c55 suggested and change them both.