Replacing shock absorbers?

[alfaspiderman2]

Sounds like the rear shocks on the Merc have given up the ghost (70k miles so sounds about right).

What's the advice on replacements?

The car's a family bus / work cruiser (c320cdi) rather than track slag so comfort is a priority but I still need it to change direction well when pressed.

It's due into my local indy for a look - what should I as for in terms of replacement? OEM parts or something else?

[tegwin]

IMHO..

Cheap generic "performance" replacements wont last anoter 70k!!

Unless you want to spend proper money on good dampers, I would simply replace with OEM... shouldnt be too expensive for the damper unit itself... You know its going to work without issue..

[HellDiver]

Go to EuroCarParts and get a set of Bilstein B4 dampers. You're wasting your time with anything else IMHO.

[Willy Nilly]

Not the same car I know, I went to a Honda main dealer because the handling on my then 8 year old Civic felt wobbly. They said they have never changed a set of shocks on said motor and the first thing to do was to check the tyre pressure then replace tyres. Tyres replaced and handling was like new again. Car is now 12 years old with 102k on it and the original shocks.

I went to a leading tyre chain to get a new pair of front tyres 2 years ago. Car on ramp they saw oil running down nearside shock. "you need new shocks mate and your CV boot is split"

It was due a service and MOT so I left it. Got it home and the oil was grease that had been thrown up from the exposed CV joint, not from the shock.

The moral of the story being, make sure the shocks really are worn before you part with what will be quite a hefty pile of cash for Merc shocks.

[HellDiver]

Willy Nilly said:

I went to a Honda main dealer because the handling on my then 8 year old Civic felt wobbly. They said they have never changed a set of shocks on said motor and the first thing to do was to check the tyre pressure then replace tyres.

You took an 8 year old Honda to a main dealer?!? They must have REALLY big windows.

[alfaspiderman2]

Thanks for views so far - it's due for an inspection today to check whether it really is shocks.

I've seen the Bilsteins but wonder whether a) they'll make the ride too hard and b) whether they're worth the cost over the (presumably cheaper) OEMs on a car that isn't the last word in handling anyway.

Also, is there a view on whether I should change the fronts at the same time or is it ok to just change the rears?

[Willy Nilly]

HellDiver said:

Willy Nilly said:

I went to a Honda main dealer because the handling on my then 8 year old Civic felt wobbly. They said they have never changed a set of shocks on said motor and the first thing to do was to check the tyre pressure then replace tyres.

You took an 8 year old Honda to a main dealer?!? They must have REALLY big windows.

That was prior to me finding a really good indy on recommendation from several different people. I won't be back to main dealers any time soon

[HellDiver]

alfaspiderman2 said:

I've seen the Bilsteins but wonder whether a) they'll make the ride too hard and b) whether they're worth the cost over the (presumably cheaper) OEMs on a car that isn't the last word in handling anyway.

B4 are OE replacement. B6 & B8 are the yellow 'sport' ones.

[The Wookie]

I'd say the OEM sport option would be the best bet in terms of durability and ride/handling. Wont be cheap though

[Lord Flasheart]

alfaspiderman2 said:

Thanks for views so far - it's due for an inspection today to check whether it really is shocks.

I've seen the Bilsteins but wonder whether a) they'll make the ride too hard and b) whether they're worth the cost over the (presumably cheaper) OEMs on a car that isn't the last word in handling anyway.

Also, is there a view on whether I should change the fronts at the same time or is it ok to just change the rears?

Ive just changed the suspension on my car (springs and dampers), I only managed to do the rears to start with and drove the car for a couple of weeks with the old suspension on the front and new on the rear, didn't have any problems. As long as the fronts are still in good nick you will get away with just doing the rears (always fit a pair of dampers though, never just one corner). You may find that the fronts go in the not too distant future though. Putting new OEM units on will probably make a significant difference to the car anyway.

[parapaul]

Lord Flasheart said:

alfaspiderman2 said:

Thanks for views so far - it's due for an inspection today to check whether it really is shocks.

I've seen the Bilsteins but wonder whether a) they'll make the ride too hard and b) whether they're worth the cost over the (presumably cheaper) OEMs on a car that isn't the last word in handling anyway.

Also, is there a view on whether I should change the fronts at the same time or is it ok to just change the rears?

Ive just changed the suspension on my car (springs and dampers), I only managed to do the rears to start with and drove the car for a couple of weeks with the old suspension on the front and new on the rear, didn't have any problems. As long as the fronts are still in good nick you will get away with just doing the rears (always fit a pair of dampers though, never just one corner). You may find that the fronts go in the not too distant future though. Putting new OEM units on will probably make a significant difference to the car anyway.

Just to echo that... Please don't ever change suspension components in anything other than axle sets, especially if the remaining one is 70k miles old.

And as for Bilsteins, places like Euro Car Parts stock them as OEM replacements for most vehicles, the ride should be identical to the old Merc damper, or possibly even better as they're new

[XG332]

I know its anal, but the spring is the shock absorber. The damper just controls the spring rate in simple terms.

I will let myself out.