Classic R107 SL Repair Series Part 9: Why New Shock Absorbers? DIY? YES!
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- Опубліковано 22 сер 2024
- With only 90K you might think your shocks are ok, but I will explain why they are not and illustrate what happens over time. Link to Bilstein DIY kits: mercedessource.... Link to my full playlist on R107 restoration and repair: • Classic SL R107 Rollin...
Shocking. After watching this video I need new shocks on my '85 380 SL too. Thanks Kent.
Another reason to replace original shocks, if they have never been changed is because on my 80, 450 SLC with 128,000 original miles is because I had done the “fender push” and determined mine to be OK, BUT... coming home last summer on west bound I-90just before the pass I started getting this horrible clunking noise out of what sounded like the passenger side front. I immediately thought “ broken shock”. I pulled over ASAP to have a look and luckily it was the driver’s side shock and not the passenger side directly under the radiator talk because the thin bolster that holds up the lower washer on the upper mount had pushed through and the shock rod was fully extended almost up to the hood. It most certainly would have punctured the tank and that would have ment a tow bill to get it off the highway. Upon replacing the shocks the passenger side was well on its way to boing the same thing. In the last 3 years I’ve had the good fortune to avoid 2 catastrophes with my Mercedes by listening to your advise and being inspired by your videos. My cam Oiler tube was down to just ONE rear clip (right head) when I installed your kit and my ignition switch. It took 10 minutes worth of jiggling to get the car started and moved into the shop after I saw the video about “ things that will leave you stranded” and my key had been sticking for several weeks when I saw it. You are a Wizard my friend, an absolute Wizard.
Bilstien is great, original equipment on so many german cars. I have bilstien sport shocks on my BMW E21.
I've had maintained several 107.
The canvas on the top seems to rot. When you replace the top you should replace the seals on the boot and on the top. Convertible tops in California seem to last about three years this is a Gott top. One thing that definitely affected how well my 107.ran had to do with the thermostat.
the 84° c thermostat makes all the difference in the world. The 74° C thermostat the car runs poorly, sensors don't function properly, the heater and defroster doesn't work properly and the gaskets around the valve covers don't seal as well. Maybe they'll keep warm enough to make a proper seal.
10 degrees Celsius is a difference of 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes a big difference in how your 107 performs, and idles. I changed the radiator, the water pump. the expansion tank, and all the hoses, all the clamps. But what brought the engine into operating temperature was the 84° C thermostat. How do you replace a broken emergency brake cable?
I think it's the front one that broke.
I love your videos. Thank you
Your videos are always great to watch👍🙋♂️Greetings from Germany, Martin (280 SLC)
I love all your videos. Thank you.
Great content, useful, thanks
Fantastic
Hi, thanks for the Video. I have a similar R107, SL380 1984 in Midnight Blue Colour. May i Know the Bilstein part number you've used for Front and Rear to insure i am ordering the correct one.
Here is the link to the shocks you will need w/video instructions. mercedessource.com/store/1972-1985-r107-sl-bilstein-shock-absorber-full-set
Don't be making fun of my golfing buddies. They do expert car repair.
Would you recommend replacing the springs as well ? Im pretty sure they are original on my car from 73'
It would depend on mileage, history, and amount of rust on the springs.
Is there a Heavy Duty Bilstein for the front? I can't find it anywhere except rear ones.
Not available from any of our suppliers
How can I lift the rear a couple of inches
If you replace the rubber differential mount and the two rear rubber subframe mounts it will probably solve your problem. If high mileage or rear springs are rusty you may need to replace those as well.