[W126 Coupe] 560SEC rear shocks - air suppension replacements

[Jonathan]

Rick Granlund wrote:

>     My US spec '89 560SEC has the rear Hydro air shocks.  They are 

> both shot (and the pump too).  I would like to replace them with 

> NON-air models.  Has anyone doe this successfully? Unfortunately the 

> archives aren't clear on this.

> Also, is there a source for the different sizes of spring spacers? I 

> would like to put in larger (thicker)spacers to help level the sagging 

> rear out a little.

>     Thanks in advance for any help you may have.

> Rick

> 1989 560SEC

> 1988 300CE

> The MB Coupes Website!

> W126 SEC Mailing List

> Postings remain property of MB Coupes, L.L.C.

>

As an aside, the shocks are not air driven but rather hydraulic.  I'd be 
utterly astounded to find that both the pump and the shocks (rams) are 
bad.  Are the shocks leaking fluid?  Is the pump not pumping?  What was 
the path of diagnosis to lend you to the conclusion that they are bad.

Should you want to convert to non SLS, you'll need springs from a 420, a 
block off plate from any non SLS V8 equipped 126, and of course standard 
shocks.  Should lowering the car be of any interest now would be a 
superb time to install a set of H&R's along with Bilstein HD's.

Different size shims for the springs are available.  If I remember there 
are 3 different thickness shims for the front and 4 for the rear, but I 
may have it backwards..I'll have to check.

But again, I would double check your diagnosis of the system before 
progressing.  Should you go to sell the car not having the SLS in place 
IMHO won't do any favours for the re-sale.

Jonathan



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1996 S600 Euro "Scharnhorst"
1991 560 SEC Full Euro ECE
1991 560 SEC 226Hp/271ft/lbs
1989 560 SEC AMG (N.A. Conversion 250/297)
1987 560 SEC 
1986 560 SEL 6.0L 32V AMG
1985 300 CD (for sale)
1980 280 SE Euro
1986 560 SEC (parts)