Chassis / Suspension & Steering Other Happens always Always
Q: My used 1972 MB 280 SEL 4.5 sits low in the front and tends to wander when being driven. I do not want an extensive restoration, but I would like to be able to drive the car and have it drive and handle well as the body is excellent.
A MB club member suggested new subframe mounts (and motor mounts) to correct this.
Or do I need to replace the coil springs?
Where are the subframe mounts?
I'm relatively handy with tools. Is this something I could do myself?
Do you think this requires a complete front end rebuild?
Would a subframe mount replacement improve the handling and bring up the front an inch or so to its normal height? Thank you...
A: Most common cause is front spring sag....
To check for this, measure the installed height of your springs and cross reference this with what it should be...
If they are within spec, suspect metal fatigue or suspension mounts...... Ed
Q: The car occassionally runs rough for a few minutes at a time. Should I have the gas tank boiled out? Or should I put an additive in the gasoline to compensate for using non-leaded gas? Thanks.
A: Good quality gas pays for itself with better running and increased fuel mileage....
Try a good quality fuel injection cleaner in with the fuel a few times before trying out the expensive repair selections.... Ed
Heating / Cooling System Other Happens always Not applicable
Q: Do cut AC lines indicate that the AC system would be hopelessly corrupted? Not knowing the AC lines were cut in my newly bought used car, I turned the air conditioning on.
Will the compressor and other ac components need replacing, or do you suppose I can just replace the lines?
A: The cut lines mean, as you know, an amatuer was at your car.....
The system is contaminated and needs extensive vaccuum applied to remove the moisture...
If the compressor was okay when the system was disabled, then it should be okay as well as the rest of the system....... Ed
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