Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
MERCEDES-BENZ VITO Bus (638) 108 D 2.3 (638.164), MERCEDES-BENZ VITO Bus (638) 110 TD 2.3 (638.174), MERCEDES-BENZ VITO Bus (638) 113 2.0 (638.114, 638.194), MERCEDES-BENZ VITO Bus (638) 114 2.3 (638.134, 638.194), MERCEDES-BENZ VITO Bus (638) 108 CDI 2.2 (638.194), MERCEDES-BENZ VITO Bus (638) 110 CDI 2.2 (638.194) View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change a front shock strut on MERCEDES-BENZ VITO 1 (W638) [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

video
All the parts you need to replace – Shock Absorber for VITO Bus (638) and other MERCEDES-BENZ models
How to change Shock absorber on Mercedes W638 Minibus 112 CDI 2.2 (638.194) – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair
Shock absorber
How to change Suspension Strut on Mercedes W638 Minibus 112 CDI 2.2 (638.194) – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair
Suspension Strut
Tools
Replacement: suspension strut – Mercedes Vito W638. List of the tools you'll need:
Wire brush
WD-40 spray
Copper grease
HEX bit No.H6.
Combination spanner #16
Combination spanner #21
Drive socket # 7
Drive socket # 16
Drive socket # 21
Phillips screwdriver
Wheel impact socket #17
Ratchet wrench
Torque wrench
Tap wrench
Crow bar
Hydraulic strut spring compressor
Hydraulic transmission jack
Microfibre towel
Fender cover
Wheel chock
Replacement: suspension strut – Mercedes Vito W638. AUTODOC recommends:
  • Both shock struts of the front suspension should be replaced simultaneously.
  • The replacement procedure is identical for the left and right shock struts of the front suspension.
  • All work should be done with the engine stopped.
Replacement: suspension strut – Mercedes Vito W638. Recommended sequence of steps:
  1. Step 1
    How to change Shock Absorber on Mercedes W638 Minibus 1996 - free PDF and video manuals
    Open the bonnet.
  2. Step 2
    How to replace MERCEDES-BENZ VITO Bus (638) 112 CDI 2.2 (638.194) 1997 Shock Absorber - 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 W638 Minibus 108 CDI 2.2 (638.194) 1998 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Undo the fastening screws of the air filter cover. Use a Phillips screwdriver.
  4. Step 4
    Changing Shock Absorber on MERCEDES-BENZ VITO Bus (638) 110 CDI 2.2 (638.194) 1999 by yourself
    Release the air filter cover clips.
  5. Step 5
    How to remove MERCEDES-BENZ VITO 108 D 2.3 (638.164) 2000 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Unscrew the fasteners of the vacuum pressure converter valve. Use a Phillips screwdriver.
  6. Step 6
    How to replace Shock Absorber on MERCEDES-BENZ VITO Bus (638) 2001: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Unplug the mass air flow sensor connector.
  7. Step 7
    How hard is it to do yourself: Shock Absorber replacement on Mercedes W638 Minibus 113 2.0 (638.114, 638.194) 2002 - download illustrated guide
    Detach the air intake hose clamp. Use a drive socket #7. Use a ratchet wrench.
  8. Step 8
    Need to know how to renew Shock Absorber on MERCEDES-BENZ VITO 2003? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Disconnect the air intake pipe from the air filter housing. Use a crowbar.
  9. Step 9
    Changing of Shock Absorber on Mercedes W638 Minibus 1996 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Take off the filter lid.
  10. Step 10
    MERCEDES-BENZ VITO 108 CDI 2.2 (638.194) Shock Absorber replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Cover the air intake hose with a microfibre towel to prevent dust and dirt from getting into the system.
  11. Step 11
    Replacing Shock Absorber on Mercedes W638 Minibus 1998 112 CDI 2.2 (638.194) by yourself
    Clean the fasteners of the shock strut upper mount. Use WD-40 spray.
  12. Step 12
    VITO Bus (638) 108 D 2.3 (638.164) 1999 Shock Absorber DIY replacement workshop manual
    Loosen the upper fastener of the shock strut mount. Use a combination spanner #21. Use HEX No.H6.
  13. Step 13
    How to change Shock Absorber on MERCEDES-BENZ VITO Bus (638) 2000 - tips and tricks
    Secure the wheels with chocks.
  14. Step 14
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement Mercedes W638 Minibus 2001 108 D 2.3 (638.164) Shock Absorber
    Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
  15. Step 15
    DIY replacement of Shock Absorber on MERCEDES-BENZ VITO Bus (638) 110 TD 2.3 (638.174) 2002 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Raise the front of the car and secure on supports.
  16. Step 16
    How to change Shock Absorber on Mercedes W638 Minibus 1996 - free PDF and video manuals
    Unscrew the wheel bolts.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Important! Hold the wheel while unscrewing the fastening bolts. Mercedes Vito W638
  17. Step 17
    How to replace MERCEDES-BENZ VITO Bus (638) 112 CDI 2.2 (638.194) 1997 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Remove the wheel.
  18. Step 18
    Mercedes W638 Minibus 108 CDI 2.2 (638.194) 1998 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Clean the fasteners of the ABS sensor and of the brake hose which connect them to the shock strut. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  19. Step 19
    Changing Shock Absorber on MERCEDES-BENZ VITO Bus (638) 110 CDI 2.2 (638.194) 1999 by yourself
    Disconnect the wiring and the brake hose from the bracket on the shock strut. Use a crowbar.
  20. Step 20.1
    How to remove MERCEDES-BENZ VITO 108 D 2.3 (638.164) 2000 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Clean the fasteners connecting the stabiliser link to the shock strut, and those connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle.
    Step 20.2
    How to replace Shock Absorber on MERCEDES-BENZ VITO Bus (638) 2001: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  21. Step 21
    How hard is it to do yourself: Shock Absorber replacement on Mercedes W638 Minibus 113 2.0 (638.114, 638.194) 2002 - download illustrated guide
    Unscrew the nut and remove the stabilizer rod from the shock strut. Use a combination spanner #16. Use a drive socket #16.
  22. Step 22
    Need to know how to renew Shock Absorber on MERCEDES-BENZ VITO 2003? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Make a mark on the camber adjustment bolt.
  23. Step 23
    Changing of Shock Absorber on Mercedes W638 Minibus 1996 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Unscrew the lower fastener connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle. Use a combination spanner #21. Use a drive socket #21. Use a tap wrench.
  24. Step 24
    MERCEDES-BENZ VITO 108 CDI 2.2 (638.194) Shock Absorber replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Prop up the steering knuckle. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
  25. Step 25
    Replacing Shock Absorber on Mercedes W638 Minibus 1998 112 CDI 2.2 (638.194) by yourself
    Remove the fastening bolts.
  26. Step 26
    VITO Bus (638) 108 D 2.3 (638.164) 1999 Shock Absorber DIY replacement workshop manual
    Disconnect the steering knuckle from the shock absorber strut.
  27. Step 27
    How to change Shock Absorber on MERCEDES-BENZ VITO Bus (638) 2000 - tips and tricks
    Unscrew the top fastening of the shock strut mount.
    Replacement: suspension strut – Mercedes Vito W638. Tip:
    To avoid injuries, hold the shock strut when undoing the fastening bolts.
  28. Step 28
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement Mercedes W638 Minibus 2001 108 D 2.3 (638.164) Shock Absorber
    Remove the suspension strut.
  29. Step 29
    DIY replacement of Shock Absorber on MERCEDES-BENZ VITO Bus (638) 110 TD 2.3 (638.174) 2002 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Set the shock absorber strut on the spring compressor tool.
    Replacement: suspension strut – Mercedes Vito W638. 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.
  30. Step 30
    How to change Shock Absorber on Mercedes W638 Minibus 1996 - free PDF and video manuals
    Compress the spring.
  31. Step 31
    How to replace MERCEDES-BENZ VITO Bus (638) 112 CDI 2.2 (638.194) 1997 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Clean the shock absorber rod. Use WD-40 spray.
  32. Step 32
    Mercedes W638 Minibus 108 CDI 2.2 (638.194) 1998 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Remove the strut piston rod nut. Use a combination spanner #21. Use HEX No.H6.
  33. Step 33
    Changing Shock Absorber on MERCEDES-BENZ VITO Bus (638) 110 CDI 2.2 (638.194) 1999 by yourself
    Remove the top strut mount.
  34. Step 34
    How to remove MERCEDES-BENZ VITO 108 D 2.3 (638.164) 2000 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Release the coil spring.
  35. Step 35
    How to replace Shock Absorber on MERCEDES-BENZ VITO Bus (638) 2001: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Remove the spring.
  36. Step 36
    How hard is it to do yourself: Shock Absorber replacement on Mercedes W638 Minibus 113 2.0 (638.114, 638.194) 2002 - download illustrated guide
    Remove the shock absorber dust cap and the bump stop.
  37. Step 37
    Need to know how to renew Shock Absorber on MERCEDES-BENZ VITO 2003? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Remove the old shock absorber from the hydraulic coil spring compressor.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Replacement: suspension strut – Mercedes Vito W638. Carefully inspect the mount, the boot, and the bump stop of the shock absorber. Replace if necessary.Before installing a new shock absorber you should pump it manually 3-5 times.
  38. Step 38
    Changing of Shock Absorber on Mercedes W638 Minibus 1996 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Install the new shock absorber on the hydraulic coil spring compressor.
  39. Step 39
    MERCEDES-BENZ VITO 108 CDI 2.2 (638.194) Shock Absorber replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Install the dust sleeve and the bump stop on the new shock absorber.
  40. Step 40
    Replacing Shock Absorber on Mercedes W638 Minibus 1998 112 CDI 2.2 (638.194) by yourself
    Install the spring on the shock absorber.
  41. Step 41
    VITO Bus (638) 108 D 2.3 (638.164) 1999 Shock Absorber DIY replacement workshop manual
    Compress the spring.
  42. Step 42
    How to change Shock Absorber on MERCEDES-BENZ VITO Bus (638) 2000 - tips and tricks
    Install the upper strut mount and the strut mount bearing. Use a crowbar.
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DIY MERCEDES-BENZ VITO Bus (638) Shock Absorber replacement - online guide
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