Adjusting coilovers R129 Mercedes
Discussion
no pictures here.
But coil-overs adjust using a special spanner which is specific to the model of coil-over you have. No doubt there are generic tools which will do the job.
The height is changed simply by winding the lower spring seat further up the turret.
The supposed advantage of coil-overs is that they can be configured with different springs. So if the ride height is increased and the centre of gravity raised you may find a better spring rate for the new ride height would be required. But you could judge that over time.
But coil-overs adjust using a special spanner which is specific to the model of coil-over you have. No doubt there are generic tools which will do the job.
The height is changed simply by winding the lower spring seat further up the turret.
The supposed advantage of coil-overs is that they can be configured with different springs. So if the ride height is increased and the centre of gravity raised you may find a better spring rate for the new ride height would be required. But you could judge that over time.
There are actually two threaded collars on each coilover and they’ll be locked against each other in exactly the same way you tighten a locknut against a nut. Before you can adjust them you’ll need to loosen them off of one another i.e. get two C-spanners, use one to hold the top collar still and the other to wind the lower one down in the opposite direction.
Belle427 said:
Doing this at home is a bit of a pita to be honest.
Putting it up on a ramp in a garage may be simpler.
A lot of stuff is easier on a ramp but who wants to give up their ramp without charging? And if it has to be done more than once is the workshop going to keep the ramp free all afternoon while you come on and off? Of course if you have access to a non-commercial situation there might be less pressure / expense! Putting it up on a ramp in a garage may be simpler.
You say that you prefer factory, so get your lovely R129 back to factory spec’.
Put all that stupid stuff in the bin, fit O/E springs and shocks. Get a Mercedes specialist to adjust the geometry, particularly the lower wishbones.
I had this done on my R129 and it drove like a different car.
Put all that stupid stuff in the bin, fit O/E springs and shocks. Get a Mercedes specialist to adjust the geometry, particularly the lower wishbones.
I had this done on my R129 and it drove like a different car.
Obviously those aren't coilovers as the springs are mounted inboard on the R129 / W124 chassis. They're aftermarket springs with adjustable perches. Which begs the question, what dampers are fitted?
You could fit longer springs of the correct rate and leave it, or revert to the factory spec
Re front wishbones, the bushes deteriorate over time, helped by traditional MB engine oil leaks, and the cars are improved by replacing them. If the car understeers badly, and ploughs straight on at low speed with lock on, that's a symptom of worn bushes
Nick Froome
You could fit longer springs of the correct rate and leave it, or revert to the factory spec
Re front wishbones, the bushes deteriorate over time, helped by traditional MB engine oil leaks, and the cars are improved by replacing them. If the car understeers badly, and ploughs straight on at low speed with lock on, that's a symptom of worn bushes
Nick Froome
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