Mercedes-Benz W210 spring cup rust and spring falling out
Why can the W210 front spring fall out when the spring cup rusts?
The spring cup is thin sheet metal, and rusting and tearing is a known W210 fault. A rusted seam can fail while driving, while parking or even on a stationary car. When the spring comes loose, the car is left resting on the shock absorber and sinks low.
How can spring cup rusting be prevented and checked?
Wash the underbody and rustproof it regularly, and check the spring cups more often than once a year. The rear spring cup can rust through from the side so that it is not noticed until the adjusting rubber is removed.
What should be done if the spring cup has rusted?
Advanced rust can only be fixed by replacing the cup with a new one and protecting the spot. The cup's mounting and the condition of the sheet metal under it affect safety, so have a workshop assess them. The springs and shock absorbers do not need to be replaced just because of the cup.