Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
MERCEDES-BENZ V-Class (W638/2) V 220 CDI (638.294), MERCEDES-BENZ V-Class (W638/2) V 200 CDI (638.294), MERCEDES-BENZ V-Class (W638/2) V 200 (638.214, 638.294), MERCEDES-BENZ V-Class (W638/2) V 280 (638.244, 638.294), MERCEDES-BENZ V-Class (W638/2) V 230 (638.234, 638.294), MERCEDES-BENZ V-Class (W638/2) V 230 TD (638.274) View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

This video shows the replacement procedure of a similar car part on another vehicle

All the parts you need to replace – Shock Absorber for V-Class (W638/2) and other MERCEDES-BENZ models
How to change Shock absorber on Mercedes W638 V 220 CDI (638.294) – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair Shock absorber
How to change Suspension Strut on Mercedes W638 V 220 CDI (638.294) – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair Suspension Strut
Tools
Replacement: shock absorbers – MERCEDES-BENZ V-CLASS (638/2). Tools you'll need:
Wire brush
WD-40 spray
Copper grease
Drive socket # 21
Wheel impact socket #17
Torque wrench
Tap wrench
Crow bar
Hydraulic transmission jack
Wheel chock
Replacement: shock absorbers – MERCEDES-BENZ V-CLASS (638/2). AUTODOC recommends:
  • Both shock absorbers of the rear suspension should be replaced simultaneously.
  • The replacement procedure is identical for the left and right shock absorbers of the rear suspension.
  • All work should be done with the engine stopped.
Replacement: shock absorbers – MERCEDES-BENZ V-CLASS (638/2). Use the following procedure:
  1. Step 1
    How to change Shock Absorber on Mercedes W638 1996 - free PDF and video manuals
    Secure the wheels with chocks.
  2. Step 2
    How to replace MERCEDES-BENZ V-Class (W638/2) V 220 CDI (638.294) 1997 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
  3. Step 3
    Raise the rear of the car and secure on supports.
    Step 4
    Mercedes W638 V 230 2.3 Turbo Diesel (638.274) 1998 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Unscrew the wheel bolts.
    Replacement: shock absorbers – MERCEDES-BENZ V-CLASS (638/2). Tip:
    To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when unscrewing the bolts.
  4. Step 5
    Changing Shock Absorber on MERCEDES-BENZ V-Class (W638/2) V 280 2.8 (638.244, 638.294) 1999 by yourself
    Remove the wheel.
  5. Step 6
    How to remove MERCEDES-BENZ V-CLASS V 200 CDI (638.294) 2000 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Support the rear suspension beam. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
  6. Step 7.1
    How to replace Shock Absorber on MERCEDES-BENZ V-Class (W638/2) 2001: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Clean the shock absorber fasteners.
    Step 7.2
    How hard is it to do yourself: Shock Absorber replacement on Mercedes W638 V 220 CDI (638.294) 2002 - download illustrated guide
    Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  7. Step 8
    Need to know how to renew Shock Absorber on MERCEDES-BENZ V-CLASS 2003? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Unscrew the lower fastener of the shock absorber. Use a drive socket #21. Use a crowbar. Use a tap wrench.
  8. Step 9
    Changing of Shock Absorber on Mercedes W638 1996 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Remove the fastening bolt.
  9. Step 10
    MERCEDES-BENZ V-CLASS V 230 (638.234, 638.294) Shock Absorber replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Detach the lower part of the shock absorber. Use a crowbar.
  10. Step 11
    Replacing Shock Absorber on Mercedes W638 1998 V 220 CDI (638.294) by yourself
    Lower the hydraulic transmission jack by 10-15 cm.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Replacement: shock absorbers – MERCEDES-BENZ V-CLASS (638/2). Lower the transmission jack smoothly, without jerks, to avoid damaging components and mechanisms.
  11. Step 12
    V-Class (W638/2) V 200 CDI (638.294) 1999 Shock Absorber DIY replacement workshop manual
    Unscrew the upper fastener of the shock absorber. Use a drive socket #21. Use a tap wrench.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Important! Hold the shock absorber while unscrewing the fastening bolts. MERCEDES-BENZ V-CLASS (638/2)
  12. Step 13
    How to change Shock Absorber on MERCEDES-BENZ V-Class (W638/2) 2000 - tips and tricks
    Remove the shock absorber.
    Replacement: shock absorbers – MERCEDES-BENZ V-CLASS (638/2). Tip:
    Before installing a new shock absorber you should pump it manually 3-5 times.
  13. Step 14
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement Mercedes W638 2001 V 200 CDI (638.294) Shock Absorber
    Place the shock absorber in the wheel arch and fasten it.
    Replacement: shock absorbers – MERCEDES-BENZ V-CLASS (638/2). AUTODOC recommends:
    To avoid injury, hold the shock absorber cautiously tight when screwing in the fastening bolts.
  14. Step 15
    DIY replacement of Shock Absorber on MERCEDES-BENZ V-Class (W638/2) V 230 (638.234, 638.294) 2002 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Screw the upper fastener of the shock absorber. Use a drive socket #21.
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DIY MERCEDES-BENZ V-Class (W638/2) Shock Absorber replacement - online guide
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