🚗 Classic Fault — Mercedes-Benz W115 (1968–1976)
Front shock absorber leaking oil — poor damping
💰 Estimated Repair Cost
$80 – $200 USD
Parts and labour estimate
🔧 Tools Required
Jack, spring compressor
📋 Overview
The front shock absorbers leak oil from the body seals over time. A leaking shock loses damping ability, causing the car to bounce excessively over bumps and wallow in corners.
🩺 Symptoms
- Excessive bouncing over bumps
- oil streaks on shock body
- nose dips severely under braking
- handling wallows in corners
🔍 Possible Causes
- Worn shock absorber shaft seals
- shock body corrosion
- oil leaking from body
🛠️ Diagnosis Steps
Inspect shock body for oil streaks. Bounce each front corner — should return to rest in one movement without oscillating.
✅ Most Confirmed Fix
Replace front shock absorbers in pairs.
79% of users confirm this fix worked (21 reports)
🏷️ Parts Needed
Front shock absorber pair
🔗 Other Mercedes-Benz W115 Faults
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