Important!

This replacement procedure can be used for:
MERCEDES-BENZ 190 (W201) E 1.8 (201.018), MERCEDES-BENZ 190 (W201) 2.0 (201.023), MERCEDES-BENZ 190 (W201) 2.0 (201.023), MERCEDES-BENZ 190 (W201) E 2.0 (201.024), MERCEDES-BENZ 190 (W201) D 2.0 (201.122) … View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change front shock absorber and coil springs on MERCEDES W201 [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

All the parts you need to replace – Shock Absorber for 190 (W201) and other MERCEDES-BENZ models

Shock absorber

        Shock absorber for 190 (W201) Petrol (109 hp)
      
        Shock absorber for 190 (W201) Petrol (102 hp)
      
        Shock absorber for 190 (W201) Petrol (105 hp)
      
        Shock absorber for 190 (W201) Petrol (122 hp)
      
        Shock absorber for 190 (W201) Diesel (75 hp)

Replacement: suspension strut – Mercedes W201. Tools you need:

                        Wire brush
                      
                        WD-40 spray
                      
                        All-purpose cleaning spray
                      
                        Ceramic grease
                      
                        Torque wrench
                      
                        Combination spanner #13
                      
                        Combination spanner #19
                      
                        Combination spanner #22
                      
                        Drive socket # 13
                      
                        Drive socket # 19
                      
                        Drive socket # 22
                      
                        Shock absorber socket # 19
                      
                        Shock absorber socket # 22
                      
                        HEX bit no.H6
                      
                        HEX bit no.H7
                      
                        Wheel impact socket #17
                      
                        Ratchet wrench
                      
                        Tap wrench
                      
                        Crow bar
                      
                        Strut spring compressor
                      
                        Hydraulic transmission jack
                      
                        Fender cover
                      
                        Wheel chock

Buy tools

Replacement: suspension strut – Mercedes W201. Tip from AUTODOC experts:

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 W201. Recommended sequence of steps:

Step 1

Open the bonnet.
Step 2

Use a fender protection cover to prevent damaging paintwork and plastic parts of the car.
Step 3

Clean the fasteners of the shock strut upper mount. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 4

Clean the fastener of the suspension strut piston rod. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 5

Loosen the fastener of the strut piston rod. Use a special drive socket to remove the shock absorber # 22. Use HEX No.H7. Use a ratchet wrench.

AUTODOC recommends:
Don't unscrew it completely.
Step 6

Loosen the fasteners of the upper strut mount. Use a drive socket #13. Use a ratchet wrench.

Replacement: suspension strut – Mercedes W201. Tip:
Don't unscrew it completely.
Step 7

Secure the wheels with chocks.

Step 8

Loosen the wheel bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17. Use a tap wrench.
Step 9

Raise the car.

AUTODOC recommends:
If you are using a jack, make sure it rests on a flat surface without any unevenness.Be sure to additionally secure the car with jack stands.
Step 10

Unscrew the wheel bolts.

AUTODOC recommends:
Important! Hold the wheel while unscrewing the fastening bolts. Mercedes W201
Step 11

Remove the wheel.
Step 12

Support the steering knuckle. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
Step 13

Disconnect the wiring from the strut.

Step 14

Clean the fasteners connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 15

Unscrew the lower suspension strut fasteners. Use a combination spanner #19. Use a drive socket #19. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 16

Unscrew the fastener of the suspension strut piston rod.

Step 17

Remove the fastening bolts.
Step 18

Detach the strut from the steering knuckle. Use a crowbar.
Step 19

Lower the hydraulic transmission jack by 10-15 cm.

AUTODOC recommends:
Lower the hydraulic transmission jack smoothly, without jerks, to avoid damaging assemblies and mechanisms.
Step 20

Remove the suspension strut.

Replacement: suspension strut – Mercedes W201. AUTODOC experts recommend:
Do not allow the steering knuckle to hang on the brake hose or wiring harness.
Step 21

Unscrew the fasteners of the upper strut mount.
Step 22

Remove the strut mount.
Step 23

Clean the mounting seat of the suspension strut mount. Use a wire brush. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
Step 24

Clean the mounting seats of the shock strut. Use a wire brush. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
Step 25

Install the top suspension strut mount.
Step 26

Screw on the fasteners of the upper strut mount.
Step 27

Install the dust boot and the bump stop.
Step 28

Install a new suspension strut.

Replacement: suspension strut – Mercedes W201. Tip from AUTODOC:
Before installing a new shock absorber you should pump it 3–5 times by hand.
Step 29

Install the fastening bolts.
Step 30

Secure the wiring to the strut.
Step 31

Screw on the fastener of the strut piston rod.
Step 32

Tighten the lower fasteners connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle. Use a combination spanner #19. Use a drive socket #19. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 110 Nm torque.
Step 33

Clean the wheel rim mounting seat. Use a wire brush. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
Step 34

Treat the surface where the brake disc contacts the wheel rim. Use ceramic grease.
Step 35

Install the wheel.

AUTODOC recommends:
To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when screwing in the fastening bolts.
Step 36

Screw in the wheel bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 37

Lower the car and working in a cross order, tighten the wheel bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 110 Nm torque.
Step 38

Remove the jacks and chocks.
Step 39

Tighten the fasteners of the upper strut mount. Use a drive socket #13. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 20 Nm torque.
Step 40

Tighten the fastener of the suspension strut piston rod. Use a special drive socket to remove the shock absorber # 19. Use HEX No.H6. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 60 Nm torque.
Step 41

Remove the fender protection cover.
Step 42

Close the bonnet.

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