Some cars look fast while standing still. On Sunday, I was looking at a 1970 280SE 2.8 (w108) for sale that appeared to be panic stopping from 80 MPH while standing still. The tail end of the vehicle was several inches higher than the front, with resultant positive rear wheel camber. The front end appeared to be normal ride height.

1. What is the probable cause?
2. What is the probable cure?
3. What is the probable cost?

Thanks.

The cause: Someone has replaced the Hydrocompensator with a spring kit from an earlier model.

The cure: Install a Hydrocompensator.

The cost: Around $500.00 (?) I think. I paid 349.00 for one around four years ago. Mercedes list is around 1200.00. Takes about an hour to install. Throw the spring in the nearest dumpster when finished.

Or adjust the spring per the manual. Question: You sure this wasn't a V-8 (4.5) car? They suffer the worst from the installation of the spring.

Or, the back is just fine and the front springs are shot.

-CTH

Someone had put in a compensating spring in lieu of the hydro unit. My rear tires are also slightly askew (mostly the right side), but not enough to show uneven wear and the car looks fairly level. Putting in the proper unit is on my list, but it's low on the list. PartsShop has a unit for a little over $600.00, part # starts with 111-, so it's probably the one you want/need.

BTW Mark, should be coming your way on the 27th. Planning on bring the 280, I'll get the rest of the details to you via email.

There are used units available. Try Onager's out in San Diego (he's on the vet's list).

-CTH

Hey...
Does anyone know about those squishy mini doughnut looking things that are part of the suspension??
On MY car (a 1969 250 MB w114) that "doughnut" on the front driver's side is NEARLY broken in two!! I feel like, if I hit a bump, I'm going to tear up the front end of my car (that is..IF it ever runs!).
This "doughnut" is located on a HUGELY long bolt, that's right IN FRONT of the HUGE spring, on that side.

What's up with this "doughnut"??

~Christy

Christy,

Perchance, you mean the parts that hold down the end of the front stabilizer bar (long bent metal bar that runs from one front wheel to the other)?

-CTH

CTH...

The part I speak of, is on a LONG bolt (6-7 inches at least), that is positioned VERTICALLY. It appears to go THROUGH the most major parts of the underside of the front end.
There is a large metal triangle (if you will) that has THE tire on the end. Well, this "triangle" connects to "frame" underneath the car. This BOLT I speak of, connects the big, metal triangle (with the big wheel on the end) to the "frame" (say, where I might put jack stands if I were needing a stable place). It goes THROUGH both parts and has a "doughnut" on either side, making a SANDWICH.
When you get a chance...go stick your head under your car and look at this LONG, VERTICAL, BOLT, that is sort of in front of that HUGE spring-thing (the HUGE spring near the wheel).



~Christy

Front stabilizer links.

OK..my "doughnut" looks as if I SNEEZE on it, it's gonna bust! It has a big slice in it and is just BARELY attached on the inside, by the bolt.

IF my car ran :) could I drive it like this?? Or would the front end on this thing collapse???

~Christy

PaulC, feel free to email me if you are wondering about my reply on that other thread (since your email address isn't listed).

-CTH