Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
MERCEDES-BENZ A-Class (W168) A 210 (168.035, 168.135), MERCEDES-BENZ A-Class (W168) A 140 (168.031, 168.131), MERCEDES-BENZ A-Class (W168) A 160 CDI (168.006), MERCEDES-BENZ A-Class (W168) A 190 (168.032, 168.132), MERCEDES-BENZ A-Class (W168) A 170 CDI (168.008), MERCEDES-BENZ A-Class (W168) A 160 CDI (168.007), MERCEDES-BENZ A-Class (W168) A 160 (168.033, 168.133), MERCEDES-BENZ A-Class (W168) A 140 (168.031, 168.131) View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change a front shock strut on MERCEDES W168 [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

video
All the parts you need to replace – Shock Absorber for A-Class (W168) and other MERCEDES-BENZ models
How to change Shock absorber on Mercedes W168 A 140 1.4 (168.031, 168.131) – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair
Shock absorber
How to change Suspension Strut on Mercedes W168 A 140 1.4 (168.031, 168.131) – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair
Suspension Strut
Tools
Replacement: suspension strut – 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: suspension strut – Mercedes W168. 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.
  • 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 Shock Absorber 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 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 W168 A 170 CDI 1.7 (168.009, 168.109) 1999 Shock Absorber 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 Shock Absorber 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 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
  6. Step 7
    How to replace Shock Absorber 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: Shock Absorber replacement on Mercedes W168 A 160 CDI 1.7 (168.006) 2003 - download illustrated guide
    Unscrew the wheel bolts.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Important! Hold the wheel while unscrewing the fastening bolts. Mercedes W168
  8. Step 9
    Need to know how to renew Shock Absorber 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 Shock Absorber 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) Shock Absorber 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 Shock Absorber 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 Shock Absorber DIY replacement workshop manual
    Disconnect the ABS sensor wiring.
  13. Step 14
    How to change Shock Absorber on MERCEDES-BENZ A-Class (W168) 2001 - tips and tricks
    Disconnect the brake pad wear sensor wire.
  14. Step 15
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement Mercedes W168 2002 A 190 1.9 (168.032, 168.132) Shock Absorber
    Clean the fasteners connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  15. Step 16
    DIY replacement of Shock Absorber 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
    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.
  16. Step 17
    How to change Shock Absorber on Mercedes W168 1997 - free PDF and video manuals
    Prop up the steering knuckle. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
  17. Step 18
    How to replace MERCEDES-BENZ A-Class (W168) A 140 1.4 (168.031, 168.131) 1998 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Remove the fastening bolts.
  18. Step 19
    Mercedes W168 A 170 CDI 1.7 (168.009, 168.109) 1999 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Disconnect the steering knuckle from the shock absorber strut.
  19. Step 20
    Changing Shock Absorber on MERCEDES-BENZ A-Class (W168) A 170 CDI 1.7 (168.008) 2000 by yourself
    Release the plastic strut mount retainers. Use round-nose pliers.
  20. Step 21
    How to remove MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS A 190 1.9 (168.032, 168.132) 2001 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Remove the suspension strut.
  21. Step 22
    How to replace Shock Absorber on MERCEDES-BENZ A-Class (W168) 2002: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Set the shock absorber strut on the spring compressor tool.
    Replacement: suspension strut – Mercedes W168. Professionals recommend:
    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.
  22. Step 23
    How hard is it to do yourself: Shock Absorber replacement on Mercedes W168 A 160 CDI 1.7 (168.006) 2003 - download illustrated guide
    Compress the spring.
  23. Step 24
    Need to know how to renew Shock Absorber on MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS 2004? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Treat the shock strut rod. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  24. Step 25
    Changing of Shock Absorber on Mercedes W168 1997 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Remove the strut piston rod nut. Use a combination spanner #21. Use HEX No.H6. Use a ratchet wrench.
  25. Step 26
    MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS A 160 CDI 1.7 (168.007) Shock Absorber replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Remove the shock absorber mount, boot and bump stop.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Replacement: suspension strut – Mercedes W168. Carefully inspect the mount, the boot, and the bump stop of the shock absorber. Replace if necessary.
  26. Step 27
    Replacing Shock Absorber on Mercedes W168 1999 A 140 1.4 (168.031, 168.131) by yourself
    Release the coil spring.
  27. Step 28
    A-Class (W168) A 190 1.9 (168.032, 168.132) 2000 Shock Absorber DIY replacement workshop manual
    Remove the spring.
  28. Step 29
    How to change Shock Absorber on MERCEDES-BENZ A-Class (W168) 2001 - tips and tricks
    Remove the old shock absorber from the hydraulic coil spring compressor.
  29. Step 30
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement Mercedes W168 2002 A 190 1.9 (168.032, 168.132) Shock Absorber
    Install the new shock absorber on the hydraulic coil spring compressor.
    Replacement: suspension strut – Mercedes W168. Tip from AUTODOC:
    Before installing a new shock absorber you should pump it manually 3-5 times.
  30. Step 31
    DIY replacement of Shock Absorber 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
    Install the dust sleeve and the bump stop on the new shock absorber.
  31. Step 32
    How to change Shock Absorber on Mercedes W168 1997 - free PDF and video manuals
    Install the spring on the shock absorber.
  32. Step 33
    How to replace MERCEDES-BENZ A-Class (W168) A 140 1.4 (168.031, 168.131) 1998 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Compress the spring.
  33. Step 34
    Mercedes W168 A 170 CDI 1.7 (168.009, 168.109) 1999 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Install the upper strut mount and the strut mount bearing.
  34. Step 35
    Changing Shock Absorber on MERCEDES-BENZ A-Class (W168) A 170 CDI 1.7 (168.008) 2000 by yourself
    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: suspension strut – Mercedes W168. AUTODOC recommends:
    Check to make sure the spring is positioned correctly. Avoid its misalignment.
  35. Step 36
    How to remove MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS A 190 1.9 (168.032, 168.132) 2001 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Decompress the spring.
  36. Step 37
    How to replace Shock Absorber on MERCEDES-BENZ A-Class (W168) 2002: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Treat the shock strut rod. Use copper grease.
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DIY MERCEDES-BENZ A-Class (W168) Shock Absorber replacement - online guide
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