Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
MERCEDES-BENZ A-Class (W168) A 170 CDI (168.008), MERCEDES-BENZ A-Class (W168) A 190 (168.032, 168.132), MERCEDES-BENZ A-Class (W168) A 160 CDI (168.006) View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change front springs on MERCEDES W168 [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

video
All the parts you need to replace – Springs for A-Class (W168) and other MERCEDES-BENZ models
How to change Coil spring on Mercedes W168 A 140 1.4 (168.031, 168.131) – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair Coil spring
How to change Coil spring buffer on Mercedes W168 A 140 1.4 (168.031, 168.131) – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair Coil spring buffer
Tools
Replacement: coil springs – Mercedes W168. Tools you might need:
Wire brush
WD-40 spray
Brake cleaner
Copper grease
Torque wrench
Combination spanner #18
Combination spanner #21
Drive socket # Е12
Drive socket # 16
Drive socket # 18
Drive socket # 21
HEX bit No.H6
Wheel impact socket #17
Ratchet wrench
Round-nose pliers
Hydraulic strut spring compressor
Hydraulic transmission jack
Fender cover
Wheel chock
Replacement: coil springs – Mercedes W168. Tip from AUTODOC:
  • Both coil springs of the front suspension should be replaced simultaneously.
  • The replacement procedure is identical for the left and right coil springs of the front suspension.
  • Please note: all work on the car – Mercedes W168 – should be done with the engine switched off.
Carry out replacement in the following order:
  1. Step 1
    How to change Springs on Mercedes W168 1997 - free PDF and video manuals
    Open the bonnet.
  2. Step 2
    How to replace MERCEDES-BENZ A-Class (W168) A 140 1.4 (168.031, 168.131) 1998 Springs - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Use a fender protection cover to prevent damaging paintwork and plastic parts of the car.
  3. Step 3
    Mercedes W168 A 170 CDI 1.7 (168.009, 168.109) 1999 Springs replacement: free workshop manuals
    Clean the fasteners of the shock strut upper mount. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  4. Step 4
    Changing Springs on MERCEDES-BENZ A-Class (W168) A 170 CDI 1.7 (168.008) 2000 by yourself
    Loosen the upper fasteners of the suspension strut. Use a drive socket #Е12. Use a ratchet wrench.
  5. Step 5
    Secure the wheels with chocks.
    Step 6
    How to remove MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS A 190 1.9 (168.032, 168.132) 2001 Springs - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
  6. Step 7
    How to replace Springs on MERCEDES-BENZ A-Class (W168) 2002: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Raise the front of the car and secure on supports.
  7. Step 8
    How hard is it to do yourself: Springs replacement on Mercedes W168 A 160 CDI 1.7 (168.006) 2003 - download illustrated guide
    Unscrew the wheel bolts.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Warning! To avoid injury, hold the wheel while unscrewing the fastening bolts. Mercedes W168
  8. Step 9
    Need to know how to renew Springs on MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS 2004? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Remove the wheel.
  9. Step 10
    Changing of Springs on Mercedes W168 1997 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Clean the stabiliser link fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  10. Step 11
    MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS A 160 CDI 1.7 (168.007) Springs replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Unscrew the fastener connecting the stabilizer link to the shock strut. Use a drive socket #16. Use a ratchet wrench.
  11. Step 12
    Replacing Springs on Mercedes W168 1999 A 140 1.4 (168.031, 168.131) by yourself
    Remove the stabilizer rod.
  12. Step 13
    A-Class (W168) A 190 1.9 (168.032, 168.132) 2000 Springs DIY replacement workshop manual
    Disconnect the ABS sensor wiring.
  13. Step 14
    Disconnect the brake pad wear sensor wire.
    Step 15
    How to change Springs on MERCEDES-BENZ A-Class (W168) 2001 - tips and tricks
    Clean the fasteners connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  14. Step 16
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement Mercedes W168 2002 A 190 1.9 (168.032, 168.132) Springs
    Unscrew the fasteners connecting the suspension strut to the steering knuckle. Use a combination spanner #18. Use a drive socket #18. Use a ratchet wrench.
  15. Step 17
    DIY replacement of Springs on MERCEDES-BENZ A-Class (W168) A 160 1.6 (168.033, 168.133) 2003 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Prop up the steering knuckle. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
  16. Step 18
    How to change Springs on Mercedes W168 1997 - free PDF and video manuals
    Remove the fastening bolts.
  17. Step 19
    How to replace MERCEDES-BENZ A-Class (W168) A 140 1.4 (168.031, 168.131) 1998 Springs - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Disconnect the steering knuckle from the shock absorber strut.
  18. Step 20
    Mercedes W168 A 170 CDI 1.7 (168.009, 168.109) 1999 Springs replacement: free workshop manuals
    Release the plastic strut mount retainers. Use round-nose pliers. Remove the suspension strut.
  19. Step 21
    Changing Springs on MERCEDES-BENZ A-Class (W168) A 170 CDI 1.7 (168.008) 2000 by yourself
    Set the shock absorber strut on the spring compressor tool.
    Replacement: coil springs – Mercedes W168. Tip from AUTODOC experts:
    Note that when using a spring compressor, spring coils need to be securely gripped, compressing the spring on the opposite sides.Ensure the correct position of the spring in the retainer.Make sure that the spring coils tightly entered the lock handles.
  20. Step 22
    How to remove MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS A 190 1.9 (168.032, 168.132) 2001 Springs - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Compress the spring.
  21. Step 23
    How to replace Springs on MERCEDES-BENZ A-Class (W168) 2002: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Treat the shock strut rod. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  22. Step 24
    How hard is it to do yourself: Springs replacement on Mercedes W168 A 160 CDI 1.7 (168.006) 2003 - download illustrated guide
    Remove the strut piston rod nut. Use a combination spanner #21. Use HEX No.H6. Use a ratchet wrench.
  23. Step 25
    Need to know how to renew Springs on MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS 2004? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Remove the shock absorber mount, boot and bump stop.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Replacement: coil springs – Mercedes W168. Carefully inspect the mount, the boot, and the bump stop of the shock absorber. Replace if necessary.
  24. Step 26
    Changing of Springs on Mercedes W168 1997 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Release the coil spring.
  25. Step 27
    MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS A 160 CDI 1.7 (168.007) Springs replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Remove the spring.
  26. Step 28
    Replacing Springs on Mercedes W168 1999 A 140 1.4 (168.031, 168.131) by yourself
    Install the boot and a bump stop onto the shock absorber.
  27. Step 29
    A-Class (W168) A 190 1.9 (168.032, 168.132) 2000 Springs DIY replacement workshop manual
    Install the spring on the shock absorber.
  28. Step 30
    How to change Springs on MERCEDES-BENZ A-Class (W168) 2001 - tips and tricks
    Compress the spring.
  29. Step 31
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement Mercedes W168 2002 A 190 1.9 (168.032, 168.132) Springs
    Install the upper strut mount and the strut mount bearing.
  30. Step 32
    DIY replacement of Springs on MERCEDES-BENZ A-Class (W168) A 160 1.6 (168.033, 168.133) 2003 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Tighten the shock strut piston rod nut. Use a drive socket #21. Use HEX No.H6. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 60 Nm torque.
    Replacement: coil springs – Mercedes W168. Professionals recommend:
    Check to make sure the spring is positioned correctly. Avoid its misalignment.
  31. Step 33
    How to change Springs on Mercedes W168 1997 - free PDF and video manuals
    Decompress the spring.
  32. Step 34
    How to replace MERCEDES-BENZ A-Class (W168) A 140 1.4 (168.031, 168.131) 1998 Springs - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Treat the shock strut rod. Use copper grease.
  33. Step 35
    Mercedes W168 A 170 CDI 1.7 (168.009, 168.109) 1999 Springs replacement: free workshop manuals
    Remove the assembled shock strut.
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DIY MERCEDES-BENZ A-Class (W168) Springs replacement - online guide
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