Note: This operation is not performed on models equipped with adjustable rear suspension.
Warning: A new lower shock absorber bolt nut will be required during installation.
Removal
2. Place chocks under the front wheels, then jack up the rear of the vehicle and secure it on stands (see "Lifting the car with a jack and placing it on supports"). To improve access, remove the corresponding wheel.
3. Remove the mounting screws and the protective cover from the base of the lower control arm. Place a jack and a block of wood under the lower control arm and raise the jack to support the weight of the arm (see Fig. 11.3, a, b).
Fig. 11.3, a. Unscrew the fastening screws (shown by arrows)...
Fig. 11.3, b....and remove the protective cover from the base of the lower arm
4. Remove the trim on the side of the luggage compartment to access the upper shock absorber support (see Fig. 11.4, a, b).
Fig. 11.4, a. Remove the trim on the side of the luggage compartment...
Fig. 11.4, b....to get to the upper support of the rear shock absorber (shown by arrow)
5. Using an open-end wrench, hold the upper shock absorber mount nut and loosen and remove the lock nut. Unscrew the upper shock absorber mount nut, taking care not to turn the shock absorber body/piston, and remove the washer and rubber bushing (see Fig. 11.5, a-c).
Fig. 11.5, a. Unscrew the two nuts...
Fig. 11.5, b.... remove the washer
Fig. 11.5. c....and then the rubber bushing
Warning: Do not attempt to remove the upper shock absorber mount nut while the lower arm is supported by a jack.
6. Working from underneath the vehicle, loosen and remove the lower mount bolt nut and remove the bolt and washers (see fig. 11.6).
Fig. 11.6. Unscrew the nut and remove the bolt of the lower shock absorber support
7. Carefully lower the suspension arm slightly, then maneuver the shock absorber out from under the wheel arch and remove the rubber bushing from its upper end. On later models (december 1986) also remove the metal bushing that fits onto the upper rubber support bushing, then remove the mudguard from the shock absorber and slide the piston rod buffer off (see Fig. 11.7. a, b).
Fig. 11.7. a. Rear shock absorber upper mount parts - early models
1 Locknut and support nut
2 Washer
3 Rubber bushing
4 Rubber bushing
5 Body
6 Shock absorber
Fig. 11.7, b. Rear shock absorber upper support parts - late models
1 Locknut and support nut
2 Washer
3 Rubber bushing
4 Metal bushing
5 Rubber bushing
6 Rod buffer
7 Mudguard cover
8 Shock absorber
Examination
8. Check for leaks in the shock absorber. Check for pitting on the piston and damage to the housing. Holding the shock absorber vertically, check the piston movement throughout its entire stroke and then at short movements of 50 to 100 mm. In both cases, a smooth and continuous resistance should be felt. If the resistance is jerky or uneven, or there are signs of wear or damage to the shock absorber, it must be replaced. Check all other parts. If damage or damage is found, replace.
[Text republished from the website Mercedesman.ru]
Installation
9. On later models, slide the stopper onto the shock absorber piston, then install the mud boot and metal bushing.
10. On all models, install the lower shock absorber bushing and reinstall the shock absorber.
11. Align the lower end of the shock absorber with the suspension arm and insert the support bolt. Install the new nut, but do not tighten it too much.
12. Raise the lower suspension arm, checking that the upper end of the shock absorber is correctly positioned in the body.
13. Working from inside the luggage compartment, fit the upper mount bushing and washer to the shock absorber, then thread on the mount nut. Check that the rubber bushing is correctly positioned, then tighten the nut to the specified torque, without allowing the shock absorber body/piston to turn. Hold the mount nut still, fit and tighten the lock nut to the specified torque.
14. Install the decorative panel in the trunk.
15. Install the wheel and lower the vehicle to the ground. Tighten the wheel mounting bolts to the required torque.
16. When the car is on the ground, rock it so that the shock absorber takes the required position, then tighten the nut of the lower support bolt with the required force. Stop the protective cover on the lower arm and tighten the screws of its fastening.