Owners of the legendary Mercedes-Benz W124 They know very well that this model is famous not only for its comfort, but also for its specific requirements for the chassis. One of the key elements that ensures smooth ride and handling is the front suspension, namely the lower control arms. Among mechanics and experienced car enthusiasts, a slang name has become established for the reinforced silent blocks used in the restoration of these levers - “Top”. This term is often found in conjunction with the index E 500, indicating the use of parts from more powerful versions of the model to improve the performance of standard modifications.
Why is the topic E 500 Top W124 causes so much controversy and questions? The fact is that standard rubber-metal joints wear out over time, losing elasticity and starting to knock. Installing reinforced elements, nicknamed “tops,” can significantly extend the service life of the suspension. However, this process requires precision, understanding of the design and the correct selection of components. Installation errors can lead to rapid failure of new parts or even disruption of suspension geometry.
In this article we will look in detail at what is hidden behind this name, how to distinguish a quality product from a fake, and whether the game is worth the candle. You will learn about technical nuances that are often overlooked when ordering spare parts in online stores. Understanding the difference between a regular silent block and a heavy-duty version is critical to the longevity of your vehicle.
What is a “Top” in the context of the W124 suspension
The term "Top" in the circles of owners Mercedes W124 denotes a specific type of reinforced front suspension silent block. Visually, it differs from the standard product by the presence of a characteristic shape, reminiscent of a spinning top or a top, which is where the popular name comes from. Inside the rubber cage of such a hinge there is often a metal bushing of complex shape or an additional polyurethane insert, which makes the structure more rigid and durable compared to pure rubber.
The main function of this element is to absorb longitudinal and lateral loads transmitted from the wheel to the car body. Standard rubber silent blocks dry out over time, crack and begin to leak vibrations. Strengthened version designed to address these shortcomings by providing sharper steering response. However, it is worth remembering that increasing rigidity may slightly reduce the level of comfort on small bumps, although the car will become more stable on the highway.
⚠️ Attention: Installing too hard polyurethane “Top” analogs on a completely stock suspension with worn shock absorbers can lead to accelerated destruction of other elements of the chassis.
Many people confuse the "Top" with the usual silent block from the version E500, but it's not always the same thing. Original parts from E500 Indeed, they have an increased service life, but craftsmen often modify standard seats by introducing more modern composite solutions. It is precisely this hybrid that has received the common name “Top”. It is important to understand that we are talking about a tuning or restoration solution, and not always about a factory spare part in its pure form.
Technical features and differences from standard parts
The main technical difference between the Top and the standard silent block is the design of the internal sleeve and the material of the working fluid. If the original uses multilayer rubber, then the reinforced versions use polyurethane or composite mixtures with an increased coefficient of friction and wear resistance. This allows the part to withstand higher loads without deformation, which is especially important for heavy engines and dynamic driving.
The geometric dimensions of the seat remain standard for levers W124, which allows you to install them without overcooking or serious modification of the body. However, the internal architecture has been changed: a split design or the presence of lubrication channels are often used, which requires a special approach during installation. Metal core in such parts it usually has a more complex shape to prevent rotation inside the lever.
- 🔧 Material: Using high-density polyurethane instead of soft rubber increases service life by 3-4 times.
- 📐 Geometry: Maintaining factory dimensions allows you to use standard bolts and levers without modifications.
- 🛡️ Protection: Improved resistance to aggressive media (oil, gasoline, reagents) that quickly destroy ordinary rubber.
It is worth noting that the rigidity of polyurethane depends on its shore-hardness (hardness). For everyday use, it is recommended to choose medium hardness options so as not to turn the comfortable Mercedes in the cart. Excessive rigidity can lead to the fact that during strong impacts the load will not be absorbed by the shock absorber, but will lead to the destruction of the mounting of the silent block to the lever.
When purchasing "Top Tops", pay attention to the color: often blue or red polyurethane indicates different degrees of hardness, check this with the seller before ordering.
Diagnosis of front suspension faults
You can understand that the time has come to replace silent blocks by a number of characteristic signs. The first warning sign is usually a knock in the front suspension, which is especially audible when driving over bumps or speed bumps. The sound may be dull or loud, depending on the degree of destruction of the internal part of the hinge. If you hear a squeaking sound when you turn the steering wheel in place, this may also indicate dry tires.
For an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to lift the car on a lift or drive it into an inspection hole. A visual inspection often reveals cracks on the rubber surface, extrusion of the inner bushing, or the presence of play. Checking for play is carried out using a pry bar: one person rocks the wheel, and another watches the movement of the inner hub relative to the outer race. If the bushing “walks” or turns, the part requires immediate replacement.
| Symptom | Probable Cause | Consequences of ignoring |
|---|---|---|
| Knock on small bumps | Wear of the silent block, the appearance of a gap | Breaking the lever seat |
| Pulling the car to the side | Uneven suspension wear | Accelerated tire wear, risk of accidents |
| Steering wheel vibration | Deformation of the inner sleeve | Destruction of steering tips |
You should not delay repairs, as a destroyed silent block can lead to wheel displacement and loss of control. In addition, a skewed lever creates a load on the shock absorber and ball joint, disabling them too. Timely diagnosis allows you to avoid costly repairs of the entire front axle.
☑️ Suspension diagnostics
Manufacturer choice: Original, Lemferder or China
Spare parts market for Mercedes W124 is overflowing with offers, and choosing a high-quality “Volchok” can be difficult. The undisputed leader is the original with the logo Mercedes-Benz, however, it is almost impossible to find it new for sale, and the price of the remaining stock is off the charts. Often the company's products are hidden under the original packaging Lemförder, which is the main supplier to the conveyor.
Analogues from Lemförder (part numbers often start with 124 or 210) are considered the “golden mean”. They provide a balance between price and quality, although in recent years the quality of rubber even for this brand has sometimes caused criticism. Chinese manufacturers offer cheap versions of the Tops, but their lifespan is unpredictable: they can travel 50 thousand kilometers, or they can crumble after 5 thousand.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing spare parts, beware of counterfeits. The Mercedes logo on the part itself should be clear, without blurred edges. Lack of markings or poor-quality metal casting is a sign of counterfeit.
If you are assembling a car for yourself and want to forget about the suspension problem for many years, it makes sense to look for restored original levers with pressed high-quality polyurethane “Spinning Tops” from specialized workshops. This approach often turns out to be more reliable than buying a new lever assembly of dubious origin.
How to distinguish Lemförder from a fake?
The original packaging has a hologram, clear font and QR code. The part itself is marked with the manufacturer's logo and batch number. The metal surface is smooth, without burrs, the rubber part does not smell of cheap chemicals.
Instructions for replacing silent blocks "Top"
Replacing silent blocks in levers W124 - a procedure that requires special tools and certain skills. You won’t be able to just knock out the old “Top” with a hammer, as the lever itself can be damaged. To work, you will need a hydraulic press or a special silent block remover, as well as a set of keys and mandrels of the appropriate diameter.
The process begins by removing the lever from the car. To do this, you need to lift the front of the car, remove the wheel and unscrew the bolts securing the lever to the subframe and steering knuckle. After removal, the lever is cleaned of dirt and rust. The old silent block is pressed out under pressure. It is important to ensure that the force is applied strictly along the axis so as not to deform the lever lugs.
- 🧹 Cleaning: Thoroughly clean the seat in the lever from rubber residues and corrosion to metal.
- 🧪 Lubrication: Liberally lubricate the seat and outer race of the new “Top” with soapy water or special lubricant.
- 🔨 Pressing: Carefully press in the new part, following the direction (if there is a rotation arrow or marks).
After installing the lever on the car, do not rush to tighten all the bolts completely. This is a critical point: final tightening of all suspension elements E 500 Top W124 must be done only under load, that is, when the wheels are on the ground and the weight of the car presses on the suspension. If you tighten the bolts by weight, the silent blocks will be twisted statically, which will lead to their rapid destruction at the first movement.
The final tightening of the suspension bolts is carried out ONLY under load (wheels on the ground), otherwise the silent blocks will die after a couple of thousand kilometers.
Wheel alignment and nuances after replacement
Any intervention in the design of the front suspension, including the replacement of silent blocks, requires a mandatory procedure for adjusting the wheel alignment angles (wheel alignment). Even if you changed parts on one side, the geometry could go wrong. For Mercedes W124 This is especially important since the car is sensitive to the camber and toe settings of the front wheels.
When installing tops, you should take into account their rigidity. Harder elements may require (fine-tuning) angles to compensate for changes in suspension behavior. It is recommended to let the new parts “get used to” - drive 100-200 kilometers in a gentle mode, and then re-check the tightness of the bolts and, if necessary, adjust the wheel alignment.
During operation, monitor the condition of new elements. Inspect them periodically for cracks or wear. A high-quality “Top”, when installed correctly, lasts a very long time, but control is never superfluous. Remember that a suspension is a system where all elements are interconnected, and the condition of some affects the operation of others.
Do I need to heat polyurethane silent blocks before installation?
Some craftsmen recommend slightly heating the polyurethane bushings with a hairdryer before pressing to make them more elastic. However, this is only relevant for very hard grades of polyurethane at subzero air temperatures. At room temperature, a quality part should snap into place using lubricant and press force without additional heat, which can change the properties of the material.
Is it possible to put "Tops" on only one side?
It is strictly not recommended to change silent blocks on only one lever or on one side of the car. This will lead to an imbalance in suspension stiffness, which will negatively affect handling and safety. Replacement is carried out in pairs on the axle (both front arms) or as a complete set (all four).
Does "Volchok" affect the passage of maintenance?
From the point of view of passing a technical inspection, the main thing is the absence of play and damage. If the installed reinforced silent blocks have no visible damage and ensure normal operation of the suspension without knocking, there should be no problems with the diagnostician. The color of polyurethane is not regulated by rules.