All mounts of the front shock struts should be replaced simultaneously.
The replacement procedure is identical for the mounts of the left and right shock struts of the front suspension.
Be sure to replace all self-locking nuts and bolts during installation.
All work should be done with the engine stopped.
Replacement: strut mount – Mercedes W168. 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
Loosen the upper fastener of the shock strut mount. Use a drive socket #E12. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 4
Secure the wheels with chocks.
Step 5
Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
Step 6
Raise the front of the car and secure on supports.
Step 7
Unscrew the wheel bolts.
Replacement: strut mount – Mercedes W168. AUTODOC recommends:
To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when unscrewing the bolts.
Step 8
Remove the wheel.
Step 9.1
Clean the fasteners connecting the stabiliser link to the shock strut, and those connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle. Use a wire brush.
Step 9.2
Use WD-40 spray.
Step 10
Disconnect the wiring and the brake hose from the bracket on the shock strut.
Step 11
Unscrew the nut and remove the stabilizer rod from the shock strut. Use a combination spanner #16.
Step 12
Unscrew the lower fastener connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle. Use a drive socket #18. Use a combination spanner #18. Use a ratchet wrench. Use a tap wrench.
Step 13
Prop up the steering knuckle. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
Step 14
Remove the fastening bolts. Use a hammer. Use a pin punch.
Step 15
Disconnect the steering knuckle from the shock absorber strut.
Step 16
Unscrew the upper fastening of the shock absorber strut. Use a drive socket #E12.
AUTODOC recommends:
Important! Hold the suspension strut while unscrewing the fastening bolts. Mercedes W168
Step 17
Release the plastic strut mount retainers. Use pliers.
Step 18
Remove the suspension strut.
Step 19
Set the shock absorber strut on the spring compressor tool.
Replacement: strut mount – 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.
Step 20
Compress the spring.
Step 21
Clean the shock absorber rod fastener. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 22
Remove the strut piston rod nut. Use a combination spanner #19. Use HEX No.H7. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 23
Remove the shock absorber mount, boot and bump stop.
Replacement: strut mount – Mercedes W168. Tip from AUTODOC experts:
Examine the shock absorber dust cap and the bump stop. Replace them if necessary.
Step 24
Install the new mount, boot, and bump stop on the shock absorber.
Step 25
Tighten the shock strut piston rod nut. Use a drive socket #19. Use HEX No.H7. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 60 Nm torque.
Replacement: strut mount – Mercedes W168. Tip from AUTODOC:
Check to make sure the spring is positioned correctly. Avoid its misalignment.
Step 26
Decompress the spring.
Step 27
Remove the assembled shock strut.
Step 28
Install the shock strut into the wheel arch.
Step 29
Secure the upper fasteners of the shock strut. Use a drive socket #E12. Use a ratchet wrench. Do not tighten it.
AUTODOC recommends:
Mercedes W168 – To avoid injury, hold the suspension strut while screwing in the fastening bolts.
Step 30
Fix the shock absorber strut on the steering knuckle.
Step 31
Install the new steering knuckle bolts.
Step 32
Tighten the lower fasteners connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle. Use a drive socket #18. Use a combination spanner #18. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 100 Nm torque.
Step 33
Secure the stabilizer link on the suspension strut. Use a drive socket #16. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 45 Nm torque.
Step 34
Remove the support from under the steering knuckle.
AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: strut mount – Mercedes W168. Lower the transmission jack smoothly, without jerks, to avoid damaging components and mechanisms.
Step 35
Connect the fastener of the ABS sensor cable to the shock absorber strut. Fasten the brake hose on the strut.
Step 36
Clean the wheel rim mounting seat. Use a wire brush. Treat the contacting surface. Use copper grease.
Step 37
Install the wheel.
Replacement: strut mount – Mercedes W168. AUTODOC experts recommend:
To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when screwing in the fastening bolts.
Step 38
Screw in the wheel bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
Step 39
Tighten the shock strut top mount. Use a drive socket #E12. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 40 Nm torque.
Step 40
Lower the car and working in a cross order, tighten the wheel bolts. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 110 Nm torque.
Step 41
Remove the jacks and chocks.
Step 42
Remove the fender protection cover.
Step 43
Close the hood.
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