Pagoda SL Group
W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: Joe on May 11, 2004, 15:26:45
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Going down the highway about 70, my car feels like there's a strong side wind, even though there isn't. It just does not feel stable; feels like it might start spinning at any time. The front end is tight, as is the steering, so I suspect shocks or suspension bushings. The front shocks feel ok, but the rear are a bit worn. Don't know which bushings to inspect.
Any advice is appreciated!
Joe
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Hi Joe,
No reply on your topic yet - any progress?
Per G. Birkeland
69 280 sl aut 834
Norway
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Hello Joe,
Check the front end alignment. Also if the rear shocks are very bad the car will seem like it changes direction everytime you hit a bump.
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
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Question for Joe #2 (JA17)
I think you may have identified something for me. My car handles pretty well overall but there is one stretch of road here where everytime I hit the rough patch, the rear of my car seems to jump sideways. My rear shocks are at least 25 years old. Besides being time, does this sound like what you meant?
James
63 230SL
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Hello James,
Yes this sounds like the symptoms. One shock may have completely failed. When you hit a bump the swing axle geometry along with the bad shock can cause this unstability.
You can check to see if a rear shock has compeletely failed by pushing down on one rear corner of the car. After the push, the car should return up and stay there. If it bounces a bit, it has lost hydraulic oil and is bad. Besides hydraulic oil, the original shocks also have a nitrogen charge which exerts upward force and also keeps the hydraulic oil from foaming on rough road surfaces. The shocks may function but can become weak if some or all of the nytrogen escapes. You can check your rear shocks by simply disconnecting them at the bottom (one 17mm bolt). Force the shock bottom off its mounting. If there is still a nitrogen charge in the shocks the shock will expand to full length and resist compression.
These cars were designed to use gas filled shocks. Bilstien are probably the best choice, they are a little pricey. Some performance oriented owners have used Koni shocks which are even more expensive. There are some other gas filled brands which may not be as good and will not last as long.
A new set of gas filled shocks does wonders for a tired suspension. Often times some mysterious suspension noises also disappear.
Original Bilstien shocks and replacement Bilstiens have date codes stamped on them. Look for the two digit year date to see how old they are.
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
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The best source I found for new Bilsteins is a Benz parts dealer at 800-259-1125, phone orders only. The price is $65.00 each, including all hardware. They have the correct 4 green bars as the original. I received them in one day.
Tom
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Hi Joe,
Try checking the differential mount located it the trunk.
When it gets worn out it will make for some bazarre handing.
My car would float from side to side at about 70mph.Then when I let off throttle sharply it would swerve to one side.A differential that is not tracking correctly will make you think the trouble is in the front suspension.
I hope this helps.
Bill Rader
'68 250SL
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Thanks JA17,
I just did the "corner push" test, and just like you said, one side bounced up and down noticeably, while other side stayed pretty much up. So at least one rear shock is about shot. Rear shocks are now officially on the 2004 list! Thanks.
James
63 230SL