Replace your Steering Stabilizer, you'll be surprised.
Re: Replace your Steering Stabilizer, you'll be surprised.
Already have the Bilstein damper ordered from FCP Euro along with a spare CPS.
I've noticed since it's gotten warmer the car is tramlining much more than before and now really has a tendency to wobble when going over bumps. This makes some sense to me as a warmer damper would naturally have more travel in it.
Hoping the damper will clear some of that up. It's an inexpensive and easy place to start at least.
I've noticed since it's gotten warmer the car is tramlining much more than before and now really has a tendency to wobble when going over bumps. This makes some sense to me as a warmer damper would naturally have more travel in it.
Hoping the damper will clear some of that up. It's an inexpensive and easy place to start at least.
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Re: Replace your Steering Stabilizer, you'll be surprised.
Last edited by syfi; 10-09-2016 at 03:22 PM.
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Re: Replace your Steering Stabilizer, you'll be surprised.
If you want the OEM original, then you want the Stabilus 1244630432 (Part #: STB-SG203004)
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...per-1244630432
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...per-1244630432
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Re: Replace your Steering Stabilizer, you'll be surprised.
Also, the Stabilus 1244630432 is the Mercedes Original OE Part #
https://www.rexbo.eu/febi/shock-absorber-steering-1261
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Re: Replace your Steering Stabilizer, you'll be surprised.
I replaced mine because it was leaking, but the steering on mine still is very odd. When I come to a full stop on a road with a tilt, or a rut, the steering wheel pulls significantly. If I knew a good spot, I would catch a video of my wheel turning 90* when I let go at the last two seconds of full stop.
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Re: Replace your Steering Stabilizer, you'll be surprised.
I replaced mine because it was leaking, but the steering on mine still is very odd. When I come to a full stop on a road with a tilt, or a rut, the steering wheel pulls significantly. If I knew a good spot, I would catch a video of my wheel turning 90* when I let go at the last two seconds of full stop.
Brakes 'grabbing?
.
Re: Replace your Steering Stabilizer, you'll be surprised.
In this 26 pg thread I'm sure its been covered, but Mercedes dials in a lot of caster in the steering and depends on the dampner to even it all out. I have found different tires make a lot of difference I've found Continentals to be best yet. Had some front tires that wore out in 6000 miles Discount Tire said the " belts were wrapped wrong".. OK.
Re: Replace your Steering Stabilizer, you'll be surprised.
I replaced mine because it was leaking, but the steering on mine still is very odd. When I come to a full stop on a road with a tilt, or a rut, the steering wheel pulls significantly. If I knew a good spot, I would catch a video of my wheel turning 90* when I let go at the last two seconds of full stop.
New Febi steering stabiliser
Eibach pro kit lowering springs
Bilstien shortened performance shocks
Updated the brake discs and pads in case they OEM" units were "grabbing"
Always check tires are inflated to 32 and 33 PSI (front/back).
Car is so much better as a result. Keep in mind the car will react to the road differently owing to its dimension, large tires and the steering mechanism it comes with.
There definitely is a limit to the improvements one can make but that said they do make a massive difference.
Last edited by Eco; 04-28-2017 at 04:15 AM. Reason: Update
Re: Replace your Steering Stabilizer, you'll be surprised.
I finally got around to changing my Steering Dampner. It cost a bit more than I anticipated...I had to buy new 16mm combination wrench (20 piece Gearmaster ratcheting sat at Sears), then I had to buy a set of ramps, as I only had one jack stand. In the end, I couldn't drive the car up the ramps, so I jacked one side, put the ramp stand in place, then repeat for the other side. I had previously tried to remove the stabilizer without turning the wheel: We all know that that can't be done.
Anyway....task is complete. Here's the issue. The original unit is significantly stiffer than the new one. I bought the recommended Stabilus. As presumed, the original unit is also a Stabilus. I took photos of the important details...everyone knows what a used dampner looks like.
Any ideas why the original would be so stiff? What I mean is, I pulled open the new unit laying on my back under the car. I then tried to collapse the original one from the same position, and I couldn't do it. I had to stand up and brace it against my leg to close it. Opening is a challenge as well.
Regardless, I've swapped it out, and I'm not about to put it back in. But, I will keep the old unit for a while just for kicks.
I'll find out how she drives tomorrow.
Anyway....task is complete. Here's the issue. The original unit is significantly stiffer than the new one. I bought the recommended Stabilus. As presumed, the original unit is also a Stabilus. I took photos of the important details...everyone knows what a used dampner looks like.
Any ideas why the original would be so stiff? What I mean is, I pulled open the new unit laying on my back under the car. I then tried to collapse the original one from the same position, and I couldn't do it. I had to stand up and brace it against my leg to close it. Opening is a challenge as well.
Regardless, I've swapped it out, and I'm not about to put it back in. But, I will keep the old unit for a while just for kicks.
I'll find out how she drives tomorrow.
Re: Replace your Steering Stabilizer, you'll be surprised.
I only have 90K on my 2007 Roadster. However, the reason I even replaced the shocks (and steering stabilizer that this thread suggested) was that I had flat spots on one of my front tires (the other was newer due to flat in sidewall) and since my alignment was fine, NTB suggested replacing shocks.
I didn't really notice much difference in ride with new shocks. Maybe a little stiffer, but not much noticeable. the only thing the mechanic noted was it definitely seemed to be ridding higher when he first let it down off the lift, but after I test road a few blocks, it seemed to settle down lower to what seemed like normal.
Arghh! At NTB they wanted $900 to provide/install KYB's, whereas I got for $200 total on Rock Auto and had a mechanic with a lift install for $180, saving a cool $500. Yeah!
However, I went back to NTB where I had a 3-year Alignment deal as roads in DC are so bad, I am constantly needed alignment, so this would be free. But they said, "oh, when you replaced the shocks you should have replaced the springs". Whhhattt? They never even suggested when they wanted the $900 for shocks only and they said now they do not even do springs.
The reason they said I need springs is that there is no camber adjustment available at all now with new shocks on, thus I need new springs.
I didn't see anyone else even bring up spring replacement around this steering stabilizer and another shock replacement discussion.
Anyone have any suggestions? Does that all sound right or should I get a 2nd opinion?
Also, in looking around it doesn't appear that anyone like Rock Auto, PartsGeek, Autozone, Advanced Auto Parts, etc. even carry springs.
Any thoughts from someone that know more than I would be appreciated. Thanks!
I didn't really notice much difference in ride with new shocks. Maybe a little stiffer, but not much noticeable. the only thing the mechanic noted was it definitely seemed to be ridding higher when he first let it down off the lift, but after I test road a few blocks, it seemed to settle down lower to what seemed like normal.
Arghh! At NTB they wanted $900 to provide/install KYB's, whereas I got for $200 total on Rock Auto and had a mechanic with a lift install for $180, saving a cool $500. Yeah!
However, I went back to NTB where I had a 3-year Alignment deal as roads in DC are so bad, I am constantly needed alignment, so this would be free. But they said, "oh, when you replaced the shocks you should have replaced the springs". Whhhattt? They never even suggested when they wanted the $900 for shocks only and they said now they do not even do springs.
The reason they said I need springs is that there is no camber adjustment available at all now with new shocks on, thus I need new springs.
I didn't see anyone else even bring up spring replacement around this steering stabilizer and another shock replacement discussion.
Anyone have any suggestions? Does that all sound right or should I get a 2nd opinion?
Also, in looking around it doesn't appear that anyone like Rock Auto, PartsGeek, Autozone, Advanced Auto Parts, etc. even carry springs.
Any thoughts from someone that know more than I would be appreciated. Thanks!
Re: Replace your Steering Stabilizer, you'll be surprised.
I only have 90K on my 2007 Roadster. However, the reason I even replaced the shocks (and steering stabilizer that this thread suggested) was that I had flat spots on one of my front tires (the other was newer due to flat in sidewall) and since my alignment was fine, NTB suggested replacing shocks.
I didn't really notice much difference in ride with new shocks. Maybe a little stiffer, but not much noticeable. the only thing the mechanic noted was it definitely seemed to be ridding higher when he first let it down off the lift, but after I test road a few blocks, it seemed to settle down lower to what seemed like normal.
Arghh! At NTB they wanted $900 to provide/install KYB's, whereas I got for $200 total on Rock Auto and had a mechanic with a lift install for $180, saving a cool $500. Yeah!
However, I went back to NTB where I had a 3-year Alignment deal as roads in DC are so bad, I am constantly needed alignment, so this would be free. But they said, "oh, when you replaced the shocks you should have replaced the springs". Whhhattt? They never even suggested when they wanted the $900 for shocks only and they said now they do not even do springs.
The reason they said I need springs is that there is no camber adjustment available at all now with new shocks on, thus I need new springs.
I didn't see anyone else even bring up spring replacement around this steering stabilizer and another shock replacement discussion.
Anyone have any suggestions? Does that all sound right or should I get a 2nd opinion?
Also, in looking around it doesn't appear that anyone like Rock Auto, PartsGeek, Autozone, Advanced Auto Parts, etc. even carry springs.
Any thoughts from someone that know more than I would be appreciated. Thanks!
I didn't really notice much difference in ride with new shocks. Maybe a little stiffer, but not much noticeable. the only thing the mechanic noted was it definitely seemed to be ridding higher when he first let it down off the lift, but after I test road a few blocks, it seemed to settle down lower to what seemed like normal.
Arghh! At NTB they wanted $900 to provide/install KYB's, whereas I got for $200 total on Rock Auto and had a mechanic with a lift install for $180, saving a cool $500. Yeah!
However, I went back to NTB where I had a 3-year Alignment deal as roads in DC are so bad, I am constantly needed alignment, so this would be free. But they said, "oh, when you replaced the shocks you should have replaced the springs". Whhhattt? They never even suggested when they wanted the $900 for shocks only and they said now they do not even do springs.
The reason they said I need springs is that there is no camber adjustment available at all now with new shocks on, thus I need new springs.
I didn't see anyone else even bring up spring replacement around this steering stabilizer and another shock replacement discussion.
Anyone have any suggestions? Does that all sound right or should I get a 2nd opinion?
Also, in looking around it doesn't appear that anyone like Rock Auto, PartsGeek, Autozone, Advanced Auto Parts, etc. even carry springs.
Any thoughts from someone that know more than I would be appreciated. Thanks!
Maybe if you get camber plates?
Re: Replace your Steering Stabilizer, you'll be surprised.
Replaced the stabilizer dampener on all three of my Xfires and it helped the handling in them all, but the SSB Roadster still had an oversteering issue. I decided to go one step further and get the linkage with the new tie rod ends which we finally installed last week, but it was raining so it never got tested out. Yesterday, I drove it for the first time since the replacement part was installed and I was amazed at the handling improvements. This particular car only has 43,000 miles on it and I was surprised that the steering was in such poor shape, I was ready to get rid of it. I think I'll keep her a little longer now....Peace