I have purchased and want ot install two new rear shocks on my 1996 S320 (the standard, non-leveling suspension). If any one has done this installation and could list the steps I would be very appreciative. I saw a post a while ago concerning this but have been unable to find it by searching.
I am doing this to correct a "clunking" sound eminating from the right side in the back. Much research and dignosis by several people lead me to believe that a shock is the culprit. I will post the results to let everyone know if it works!
The shocks have to be removed/installed with a "load on the suspension". That means they hold in the rear end. The upper mounts are in the trunk behind the liners, the lowers are nothing special
Note: The vehicle must be standing on its wheels for removing the top shock absorber mounting.
Detach top shock absorber mounting. On Model 140: Counterhold piston rod using Allen wrench
Remove plate (75b) and rubber mount (75c)
Jack up vehicle
On Model 129 up to 08/95: Remove rear axle switch for roll bar
Remove spring link cover (72c)
Remove shock absorber (75) at spring link Installation: Replace self-locking nut (75l)
Remove attaching parts (75k, 75d, 75f, 75i) of shock absorber (75) Check attaching parts (75d, 75f, 75i) for damage and cracks
Check shock absorber
Install in the reverse order Replace self-locking nuts Tighten the following components as noted:
Nut for attaching shock absorber to frame floor: 18 Nm
Lock nut for attaching shock absorber to frame floor: 30 Nm
Self-locking nut for attaching shock absorber to spring link: 55 Nm
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1995 S600, 1 of 618 (sold)
"Speed is just a question of money...how fast you wanna go?"
bad news! I dropped the old shock to install the new and as the shock lowered I realized that there was a hose/line attached to the top of the shock! This is not what I expected as I thought only ADS equipped cars had such a setup. I thought the ADS was optional equipment on V-8 models and not available on the 320. Also, my car, a 1996 S320, doesn't have any ADS related switch or annunciator in the cabin. No comfort/handle switch etc. Is there such a thing as a car equipped with only the self leveling portion and not the selectable suspension firmness? I am a little confused now. I need to figure out what I have! Any input would be apprciated.
It sounds like maybe the self leveling system might have been an option on you car. There would be no switch in the center console as the system is completely automatic. The one sure way to tell is to locate the two accumulators tucked up into the floor pan ( you should be able to see them laying on your back underneath the car) approximately under the rear seat. If you do- all is not lost. Return your standard shocks and buy two new accumulators and install them per the instructions I wrote up located under the knowledge base thread.
Good luck!
Paul
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1997 S500
2006 Chrysler Pacifica - nice but the engine and drivetrain suck
1995 Porsche 993- Yeah Baby!
pchansen1 is right. If you have hydraulic lines on your "shocks", your car is equipped with the self-leveling feature. You're in for a bit of a shock (pun intended) when you see the price for these struts (they're really struts, not shocks). There is a seller on ebay selling the strut you need. His description says front shocks, but that's a mistake. Here's the link. By the way, you will NOT find them cheaper anywhere...I've looked.
Before you change the struts, you should change the pressure spheres (accumulators). These are the components that provide the shock absorbing in cars equipped with self leveling.
Yeah, I forgot to mention that my logic was that the accumulators are probably bad instead of the shocks. It's generally accepted that unless your hydraulic shocks are leaking oil, they're fine.
The hydraulic struts are approximately $450 ea. the spheres are $90 ea. The spheres should be replaced in pairs, I had a shock fail (under warranty) they wanted to replace only one, I won the fight for once and they replaced both.
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