Front Shock Replacement Made Easier

[ctaylor738]

Maybe someone has posted this before, but nothing came up in a search, so here goes ...

The basic trick to removing and replacing the front shocks is to compress them to remove them and again to put them back in.  Removal is hard because the easiest way to compress the shock is from the top, but then you are in a situation of pulling down and simultaneously lifting up to free the bottom mount.  So I was in this situation on a 230SL I take care of, and had an idea.

After removing the nuts at the top and bottom, grab the shock near the top and pull it down and out of the hole.  Cant it to the rear and place a piece of 2x4 between the threaded rod and the fender.  Then take a piece of wire, 30" or so, and loop it around the rod, down the shock  and inside the control arm, through the hole at the bottom, up to join the other end, and twist the ends together with a pair of pliers.  I used #14 house wire.  Pull down to compress the shock a bit and remove the 2x4.  Then with the shock held in a compressed position by the wire, tilt it more toward the rear and maneuver it down and out through the control arm.

Installation is the reverse.  Pre-thread the wire, stand the shock up on the floor, and compress it by pushing it down, and secure it with the wire.  Maneuver it into position and get the studs into the holes at the bottom.   Grab and hold the shock near the top with one hand, and undo the wire with the other and allow the shock to rise into the hole at the top.  Secure with nuts at the top and bottom and you’re done.

[ja17]

Hello Chuck,

I use a hose clamp around the rubber boot to keep the shock compressed until it is in place then I simply loosen the clamp !  Also pre-setting the two studs at the bottom to an angle

[ctaylor738]

An excellent solution.  However, a 9mm Beru flip clamp would be correct for this application. :-)

[ja17]

Of coarse an original clamp is most desirable. Most likely it is listed in the BBB as a specials Mercedes Shock Absorber Tool with part number and costs fifty bucks !     ;    

[Benz Dr.]

You guys are wimps.
 I use a screw driver to pry up the bottom of the shock up and pull it out of the way for removal.
Installation:
 I push it down on the floor and hold the top down by squeezing with my hand. There's a lot of rebound force so I have to do it quickly but it works every time. Just a simple matter of moving the bottom into postion to finish.

[ja17]

Hello Dan,

Yes I used to do it the hard way too !   

[Benz Dr.]

Hello Dan,

Yes I used to do it the hard way too !   

  Just a simple matter of old age and treachery versus youth and exuberance.

[ja17]

Hello Dan,

Notice I do use a "flip type" quick adjust clamp to save time.  One time before using my clamp method, I was using the "strong grip" method, and as I was getting the compressed shock in place it slipped from my grip and the top of the shock extended up against the underside of the fender putting a outward dent in the fender !! Something to think about as you get older and your grip gets a little lighter .  

[66andBlue]

...  Something to think about as you get older and your grip gets a little lighter . 

But Joe that is what the Dr. wants!   
See: http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=2768.msg15675#msg15675
 
{I could not resist providing this link to all our new members who may never have noticed that the Benz Dr. does have a funny bone}

[Benz Dr.]

Well Joe.......

 If you loose your grip on it and it puts a dent in something.........

 You're a better man than me......

[ja17]

Hello Dan,

Just a stroke of bad luck as the bottom of the shock braced itself against the suspension as the rod extended. I think the car was a old W114 sedan with bad paint anyway, so no big loss. 

[Benz Dr.]

Uh.... I wasn't talking about shocks, you know.....

[thelews]

Uh.... I wasn't talking about shocks, you know.....

I knew.  You were speaking in the Biblical sense.

[Benz Dr.]

No... mostly '' non '' sense.

  '' Damn pesky Benz Dr. Why don't he go away or sumpthin' ''

[ja17]

I guess I walked into that one !

Actually Dan, we would love to have you down here in July to do a presentation !

[Benz Dr.]

Hummm.... I don't know Joe..... Do you think the group is ready for something like that?

  That's twice in one week, you know. Not getting any better either........