Shocks question/advice? RAYMOND, a question for you too!

[Cancer_Researcher]

2000 E320 with 85K miles.

Is it time to change the shocks? I am not planning on Bilsteins but the OE ones.

RAYMOND, I saw the DIY that you did. It was wonderful. My question is that can a novice DIYer do this? I can change the oil, install a stereo using directions, change the coolant, replace lights, etc. Do you think I have the skills to do this myself?

Thanks!

[OliverK]

They are so cheap, id swap them out.

and yes, its so easy, that someone with your talents could easily do it.

[raymond-]

CR-
when i posted of my project afterwards, I mentioned that I was apprehensive
since I had not done such a fix before. I had a half hr spare time before an
errand and decided to go into the garage to perform an exploratory.

pulled wheel, shone light, looked around. basically, every connection and
fastener was out in plain sight except for the rear shock's top hardware (I
have a sedan). after a little tugging and popping of fasteners in the rear
liner (about 10 mins) it was off. then, with all shocks' top and bottom
fasteners in plain sight, it was so simple that with basic tools, they were
removed and replaced. i dont remember but I think it took me over 2 hrs
for all four, taking photos etc. now, since I've done this about 5x now
(experimenting different springs, pads, and shocks) I can do each in 15 mins.
but it's not a speed contest, so just put NPR on the background and have
a great learning experience.

for a first timer, it was painless. the only sticking point was having to locate
a deep socket for the front/top shock mount....to remove the dbl nuts. i used
box wrench to hold bottom nut while deep socket to unfasten the top nut.

oh, i recall clenching my teeth while compressing the shock and tying it off.
with regular length (or Bilstein HD) it'll be a scootch more difficult (by about
5-10 mins) than shorter shocks such as Bilstein Sports.

ask for help if needed...we'll be here.

[ohlord]

are oem,and you can get stock valved from Auto Parts at AutohausAZ - OEM Auto Parts - Discount Replacement Parts, Resources and Car Care Tips for about
$90 each.You can do it.Hows the ride?If fine you could do them now or wait and do them around 100k miles.

[Cancer_Researcher]

Hey guys
Thanks a bunch for all the answers and advice on all my threads!

So in the near future I will be doing the following:

1. Replace my licence plate light.
2. Get my AC checked and recharged.
3. Replace one of my Cats with aftermarket one.
4. All 4 shocks (Sacks) (WILL ATTEMPT MYSELF!)
5. Replace all my rotors (any suggestions on brands?)
6. Replace all 4 brake pads. (any suggestions on brands?)
7. Transmission fluid and replace filter and gasket. (WILL ATTEMPT MYSELF!)
8. Oil change with fleece filter (mobil 1 syn 0w30) (WILL ATTEMPT MYSELF!)
9. Rear diff fluid. (What kind/weight and brand should I use for this?)

[ohlord]

go with the bilsteins.
regular dif fluid diy on benzworld.org w210 section
rotors autohausaz.com
akebono pads tirerack or other online suppliers
oil filter autohausaz.com diy on benzworld.org w210 section use the suction method.
find a lift to use for the trans job,doing a pan and filter on your back is no joy
ohlord

[Cancer_Researcher]

My car is in perfect alignment. Since I won't be touching any critical parts while replacing the shocks, I won't need to get an alignment will I?

Thanks!

[ohlord]

but how are the ball joints,bushings,drop link bushings?

[AlphaWolf]

Originally Posted by Cancer_Researcher

7. Transmission fluid and replace filter and gasket. (WILL ATTEMPT MYSELF!)

I think @85k you should move this up before changing shocks. I replaced my shocks @135k. @85k it should be fine.

[sokoloff]

Maybe I missed some info on your post, but you don't need to do rotors and pads unless they are below spec or are warped. Changing them based on a time interval or just because you want to certainly isn't necessary.

Len