Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) C 180 CDI (204.000), MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) C 200 CDI (204.001), MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) C 350 (204.057), MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) C 350 CDI (204.023), MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) C 200 (204.048), MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) C 200 CDI (204.007, 204.006), MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) C 320 CDI (204.022), MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) C 180 Kompressor (204.046), MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) C 200 Kompressor (204.041), MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) C 230 (204.052), MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) C 280 (204.054), MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) C 350 (204.056), MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) C 180 Kompressor (204.044, 204.045), MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) C 350 CGI (204.065), MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) C 250 CDI (204.003), MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) C 220 CDI (204.002), MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) C 350 CDI (204.022), MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) C 250 CGI (204.047), MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) C 300 (204.054), MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) C 350 CDI (204.025), MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) C 180 CGI (204.049), MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) C 200 CGI (204.048), MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) C 220 CDI (204.008), MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) C 220 CDI (204.002), MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) C 180 CGI (204.031), MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) C 300 (204.055) View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change a front shock strut on MERCEDES W204 [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

video
All the parts you need to replace – Shock Absorber for C-Class Saloon (W204) and other MERCEDES-BENZ models
Tools
Replacement: suspension strut – Mercedes W204. Tools you might need:
Wire brush
WD-40 spray
Brake cleaner
Ceramic grease
Copper grease
Torque wrench
Drive socket # 18
Drive socket # 21
Torx bit E12
Torx bit E14
Torx bit E18
Torx bit T50
21-mm strut nut socket
Wheel impact socket #17
Ratchet wrench
Flat screwdriver
Crow bar
Hydraulic transmission jack
Hydraulic strut spring compressor
Fender cover
Wheel chock
Replacement: suspension strut – Mercedes W204. Tip from AUTODOC:
  • 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 W204 – should be done with the engine switched off.
Carry out replacement in the following order:
  1. Step 1
    How to change Shock Absorber on W204 2007 - free PDF and video manuals
    Open the bonnet.
  2. Step 2
    How to replace MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) C 220 CDI 2.2 (204.008) 2008 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
    W204 C 200 CDI (204.007, 204.006) 2009 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 C-Class Saloon (W204) C 200 CDI (204.001) 2010 by yourself
    Loosen the upper fasteners of the suspension strut. Use Torx E12. Use a ratchet wrench.
  5. Step 5
    Secure the wheels with chocks.
    Step 6
    How to remove MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS C 180 1.8 Kompressor (204.046) 2011 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 C-Class Saloon (W204) 2012: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Raise the car.
    Replacement: suspension strut – Mercedes W204. AUTODOC experts recommend:
    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.
  7. Step 8
    How hard is it to do yourself: Shock Absorber replacement on W204 C 200 1.8 Kompressor (204.041) 2013 - download illustrated guide
    Unscrew the wheel bolts.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Warning! To avoid injury, hold the wheel while unscrewing the fastening bolts. Mercedes W204
  8. Step 9
    Need to know how to renew Shock Absorber on MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS 2014? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Remove the wheel.
  9. Step 10
    Changing of Shock Absorber on W204 2007 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Clean the fastener that connects the sway bar link to the suspension strut. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  10. Step 11
    MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS C 180 CGI 1.8 (204.049) Shock Absorber replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Unscrew the fastener connecting the stabilizer link to the shock strut. Use a drive socket #18. Use a ratchet wrench.
  11. Step 12
    Replacing Shock Absorber on W204 2009 C 220 CDI 2.2 (204.008) by yourself
    Remove the stabilizer rod.
  12. Step 13
    C-Class Saloon (W204) C 180 1.8 Kompressor (204.046) 2010 Shock Absorber DIY replacement workshop manual
    Disconnect the ABS sensor wiring.
  13. Step 14
    How to change Shock Absorber on MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) 2011 - tips and tricks
    Clean the fasteners connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  14. Step 15
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement W204 2012 C 180 1.8 Kompressor (204.046) Shock Absorber
    Unscrew the fasteners connecting the suspension strut to the steering knuckle. Use a drive socket #21. Use Torx E14. Use Torx E18. Use a ratchet wrench.
  15. Step 16
    DIY replacement of Shock Absorber on MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) C 220 CDI 2.2 (204.002) 2013 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Prop up the steering knuckle. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
  16. Step 17
    How to change Shock Absorber on W204 2007 - free PDF and video manuals
    Remove the fastening bolts.
  17. Step 18
    How to replace MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) C 220 CDI 2.2 (204.008) 2008 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Disconnect the steering knuckle from the shock absorber strut. Use a crowbar.
  18. Step 19
    W204 C 200 CDI (204.007, 204.006) 2009 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Unscrew the upper fasteners of the shock strut.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Important! Hold the suspension strut while unscrewing the fastening bolts. Mercedes W204
  19. Step 20
    Changing Shock Absorber on MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) C 200 CDI (204.001) 2010 by yourself
    Remove the suspension strut.
  20. Step 21
    How to remove MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS C 180 1.8 Kompressor (204.046) 2011 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Set the suspension strut on the spring compressor tool.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    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.
  21. Step 22
    How to replace Shock Absorber on MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) 2012: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Remove the dust cap from the suspension strut mount. Use a flat screwdriver.
  22. Step 23
    How hard is it to do yourself: Shock Absorber replacement on W204 C 200 1.8 Kompressor (204.041) 2013 - download illustrated guide
    Compress the spring.
  23. Step 24
    Need to know how to renew Shock Absorber on MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS 2014? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Clean the strut piston rod. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  24. Step 25
    Changing of Shock Absorber on W204 2007 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Remove the strut piston rod nut. Use a 21-mm strut nut socket. Use Torx T50. Use a ratchet wrench.
  25. Step 26
    MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS C 180 CGI 1.8 (204.049) Shock Absorber replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Remove the top strut mount.
  26. Step 27
    Replacing Shock Absorber on W204 2009 C 220 CDI 2.2 (204.008) by yourself
    Remove the shock absorber dust cap and the bump stop.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Replacement: suspension strut – Mercedes W204. Carefully inspect the mount, the boot, and the bump stop of the shock absorber. Replace if necessary.
  27. Step 28
    C-Class Saloon (W204) C 180 1.8 Kompressor (204.046) 2010 Shock Absorber DIY replacement workshop manual
    Release the coil spring.
  28. Step 29
    How to change Shock Absorber on MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) 2011 - tips and tricks
    Remove the spring.
  29. Step 30
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement W204 2012 C 180 1.8 Kompressor (204.046) Shock Absorber
    Remove the old shock absorber from the hydraulic coil spring compressor.
  30. Step 31
    DIY replacement of Shock Absorber on MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) C 220 CDI 2.2 (204.002) 2013 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Install the new shock absorber on the hydraulic coil spring compressor.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Before installing a new shock absorber you should pump it manually 3-5 times.
  31. Step 32
    How to change Shock Absorber on W204 2007 - free PDF and video manuals
    Install the spring on the shock absorber.
  32. Step 33
    How to replace MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) C 220 CDI 2.2 (204.008) 2008 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Compress the spring.
  33. Step 34
    W204 C 200 CDI (204.007, 204.006) 2009 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Install the dust sleeve and the bump stop on the new shock absorber.
  34. Step 35
    Changing Shock Absorber on MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) C 200 CDI (204.001) 2010 by yourself
    Install the upper strut mount and the strut mount bearing.
    Replacement: suspension strut – Mercedes W204. Tip from AUTODOC:
    Make sure that the suspension strut is installed in the correct position, according to the markings.
  35. Step 36
    How to remove MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS C 180 1.8 Kompressor (204.046) 2011 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Tighten the shock strut piston rod nut. Use a 21-mm strut nut socket. Use Torx T50. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 85 Nm torque.
  36. Step 37
    How to replace Shock Absorber on MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) 2012: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Decompress the spring.
Was this manual helpful?
Please rate this manual on a scale from 1 to 5. If you have any questions, feel free to ask us.
Users voted – 0
Searching for the right tyres?

Find out which tyre and wheel sizes are compatible with the MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) model.

Your profile is your personal assistant.

It can track car expenses, keep a car log and replacement schedule, and save favourite materials, notes and documents

Install the AUTODOC CLUB app!
Your personal car expenses manager, maintenance tips, reminders about upcoming appointments and service intervals, DIY repair instructions – all this on your phone.
MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) Shock Absorber replace by yourself - Scan QR-code and download AUTODOC CLUB app
Scan

To download the app:

  • - scan the QR code
  • - download from App Store
  • - download from Google Play
DIY MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) Shock Absorber replacement - online guide
Tips & tricks for your MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204)
View more
  • How to change Shocks on MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) C 220 CDI 2.2 (204.002) - replacement tricks
    Replacing your engine cooling fan | AUTODOC tips
  • Changing Shock absorbers W204 C 220 CDI 2.2 (204.008) - Replacement Tips
    Top 5 mistakes when replacing spark plugs | AUTODOC tips
  • Maintenance Hacks - MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) C 200 CDI (204.007, 204.006) Struts replacement guide
    How to fix your car with AUTODOC CLUB
  • Replace Struts and shocks on W204 - free video tips
    How to polish your car | AUTODOC tips