Please note that some shock absorbers have been replaced without good reason.
Furthermore, it is also important to note that only the defective components must be replaced.
Damage to a shock absorber or suspension strut does not automatically justify replacement of the same component on the other side of the vehicle.
To avoid the unjustified removal of non-defective (OK cases) components, the following test procedures for the shock absorbers must be followed.
As of a component mileage of 150,000 km, we recommend replacing in pairs, because the damping characteristics of the old and new part may be different due to aging.
Check prior to repair in case of noise:
In the event of shock absorber problems (e.g. oil loss, noises, worn joints), all parts relevant to the suspension (axle suspension, springs, rubber stops, rubber stabilizer elements, joint bushes, support bushings, steering parts) must be checked before the shock absorber is removed.
In the case of noise complaints, the following steps are recommended before repair work is commenced:
Determine the side causing the problem by driving with one side of the vehicle on a rough road.
Unhook the torsion bar linkage for the test drive and check whether the noise complaint changes.
Deviating procedure
Information on additional (possibly deviating) specifications due to technical modifications is available in the EPC and TIPS.
For this reason, it is essential to refer to the latest documentation in the EPC and TIPS.
Vehicle reception systems (suspension testers) are not recommended
Recently vehicle reception systems (suspension testers) are increasingly being offered to workshops as workshop equipment for checking suspension components (e.g. shock absorbers). A test of shock absorbers when in installed condition using these "suspension testers" is not recommended by Mercedes-Benz.
These "suspension testers" generally consist of a vibrating plate and they stimulate the installed shock absorbers on a stationary vehicle with different frequencies. Suspension testers are available as "stand-alone" versions or offered in combination with other workshop equipment, e.g. as a so-called test lane.
However, measurement results of the "suspension testers" used for shock absorber tests do not only depend on the condition of the shock absorbers, but on various design features in particular (such as wheel suspension, the suspension installed, condition and dimensions of wheels and tires, measurement conditions such as temperature and load on the vehicles etc.). These significant influencing factors are not taken into consideration by these so-called "suspension testers", thereby preventing a proper and reliable test of shock absorbers.
Assessment of Mercedes-Benz shock absorbers using such systems is therefore not advised so as to offer the best service to our customers. In case of questions regarding other innovative vehicle reception systems such as systems for automatic detection of tire tread depth, an exterior scan or a quick evaluation of the suspension geometry, please do not hesitate to consult us. If necessary, initiate an XSF query via the usual work process for this.