W210 E55 rear suspension slightly "crashy"?

[mark_le_b]

Hi Guys

Not sure if crashy is even a word, but the nearside rear suspension seems to be a little crashy (thumpy).

I only really notice it on one particular uneven surface (going round a left handed corner near my house, where the road is less than smooth).

Its not hugely noisy/crashy, but would welcome thoughts on the cause......shocks/bushes/something else??

Thanks.

Mark.

 

[EDZ649]

Broken spring perhaps? Common problem on many MB models. They often snap in the seat and can be difficult to see without getting the car up on a ramp.

 

[Will]

Hi Guys

Not sure if crashy is even a word, but the nearside rear suspension seems to be a little crashy (thumpy).

I only really notice it on one particular uneven surface (going round a left handed corner near my house, where the road is less than smooth).

Its not hugely noisy/crashy, but would welcome thoughts on the cause......shocks/bushes/something else??

Thanks.

Mark.

Just to clarify - does your car have ADS?

 

[mark_le_b]

Just to clarify - does your car have ADS?

It does, never pushed the button for it, but its there

Thanks

 

[Will]

I'd check the ADS out - never worked on an ADS equipped W210 but do they have the same setup as other MBs with hydraulic suspension - ie pressure accumulators? If so they could be faulty.

Will

 

[mark_le_b]

I'd check the ADS out - never worked on an ADS equipped W210 but do they have the same setup as other MBs with hydraulic suspension - ie pressure accumulators? If so they could be faulty.

Will

They have two sphere things in the back of the boot, which I assume is what you're referring to?

 

[Will]

That's them.

It's possible (probable!) that the accumulators are past their best. They provide the damping for the suspension.

Will

 

[mark_le_b]

That's them.

It's possible (probable!) that the accumulators are past their best. They provide the damping for the suspension.

Will

That sounds expensive!

 

[Will]

Shouldn't be too bad - other MB accumulators I have seen were around £100-200 a side (probably about the same price as a new damper would be)

You might be able to get them from an aftermarket supplier otherwise. But obviously get them checked first

Will

 

[CKLclive]

you can get them recond speak to Dieselman

 

[Dieselman]

If one side is crashy it's likely the sphere has ruptured due to being run flat.

If they are still Ok you can get them regassed, alternatively replace with new ones, they are about £80 each iirc.

For regassing speak to Martin at Pleiades, 01487 331239.

new ones are available from your dealer, GSF, ECP, Franey (member on here)

 

[mark_le_b]

If one side is crashy it's likely the sphere has ruptured due to being run flat.

If they are still Ok you can get them regassed, alternatively replace with new ones, they are about £80 each iirc.

For regassing speak to Martin at Pleiades, 01487 331239.

new ones are available from your dealer, GSF, ECP, Franey (member on here)

Thanks.
It just seems to be on one side (nearside), at least thats the only one I've noticed - and its only on certain stretches of road.
I am in Jersey - so no chance of re-gassing, would have to be replaced. But before I jump into that is a definative test to confirm they need replacing, or, is my description of the symptoms pretty much cut and dried.

 

[Dieselman]

Try loading the boot to make the SLS raise the car, then push down hard on each rear wing and see how much movement there is.
If one has a reasonable amount of movement and the other feels stiff, then that one is ruptured, of there is no real movement then both are worn out.

Another test is to remove the sphere and see if it sprays fluid out, if so it's ruptured.

If it's on original spheres, they are likely to be shot.

Replace in pairs.

 

[mark_le_b]

Try loading the boot to make the SLS raise the car, then push down hard on each rear wing and see how much movement there is.
If one has a reasonable amount of movement and the other feels stiff, then that one is ruptured, of there is no real movement then both are worn out.

Another test is to remove the sphere and see if it sprays fluid out, if so it's ruptured.

If it's on original spheres, they are likely to be shot.

Replace in pairs.

Will try loading boot and bouncing it up and down!
I'm pretty sure they're the original pair.
I will buy both if they're shot.
My main worry ih how shi$$ed up and rusty the pipes and nuts look on the underneath - so may not be an easy job. Looking in the boot looks clean enough, its the underside thats not and thats where the work happens I guess!?

Thanks for all the advice

 

[Dieselman]

If the pipes are shot just cut them off and replace them, instead of messing about trying to undo the old ones.

 

[mark_le_b]

If the pipes are shot just cut them off and replace them, instead of messing about trying to undo the old ones.

I think that will be the best option.
Thanks

 

[mark_le_b]

Will try loading boot and bouncing it up and down!
I'm pretty sure they're the original pair.
I will buy both if they're shot.
My main worry ih how shi$$ed up and rusty the pipes and nuts look on the underneath - so may not be an easy job. Looking in the boot looks clean enough, its the underside thats not and thats where the work happens I guess!?

Thanks for all the advice

Have tried this, and there is still movement on both sides when I pushed down on back............how much bounce/movement is normal? Didn't feel soft and bouncy, but not rock hard either and not too hard to press down.......

So, I'm starting to wonder if we just have the least smooth/biggest pot holed roads in the western world here in Jersey, which is making me think I have more of a problem than I really do!

 

[mark_le_b]

Guys
Having loaded up the boot and checked the suspension, it still seems to have some bounce........not a hige amount as I'm guessing its pretty stiff being an AMG anyway??

So, it possible my problem could be down to the front bushes (or all the bushes) on the rear subframe....any thoughts??

Any way of testing my theory, or, is it still more likely to be not enough "bounce" in the suspension spheres?

Thanks.

 

[Dieselman]

Bushes will cause clonking noises.
The only way to really test the spheres is to remove them and put them on a test rig, like I have, but I haven't made a Mercedes adapter yet.

If the spheres are original they will need changing/regassing, now.

If when you push down hard you can feel the spring rate suddenly get stiffer the spheres are low on gas pressure.

Most people leave Mercedes ones until it's too late, then they rupture so can't be regassed, meanwhile they don't have good ride quality or full suspension travel, so actually lose grip.