Note. Shock absorbers can be replaced one at a time if both front suspension shock absorbers remain the same type. Cars can be equipped with shock absorbers with or without a separating piston. On shock absorbers with a separating piston between the gas and oil volumes, the piston rod is located at the top of the shock absorber, while on shock absorbers without a separating piston, the piston rod is located at the bottom of the assembled shock absorber.
To quickly check the serviceability of the shock absorbers, press on the front corner of the car body, release it and count the number of vibrations of the body until it comes to a complete stop. The body should rise, then stop when moving down.
Removal
Caution! When releasing the upper shock absorber mount, the car must be on the ground, since the shock absorber also serves as a suspension travel limiter. Under no circumstances should the shock absorber rod be rotated.
Mounting bolts (shown by arrows) shock absorber to lower arm
Checking the telescopic struts of the front suspension
Type A and C: a - from 0.0 to 32.0 mm
Type B: a - from 0.0 to 20.2 mm
Shock absorber with separator piston
Shock absorber without separator piston
1. In the engine compartment, first unscrew the upper shock absorber mounting nut, then the lower one, remove the washer and rubber bushings. When unscrewing the upper nut, hold the lower one with a wrench, and when unscrewing the lower one, hold the rod from turning.
Article based on data from the website (mercedesman)
2. Apply the parking brake and support the front of the vehicle on stands. Remove the wheels.
3. Remove the upper shock absorber mounting parts from the body.
4. Unscrew the bolts securing the shock absorber to the lower suspension arm.
5. Remove the fastening parts and the shock absorber.
6. Conduct their defect detection (porosity, cracks in rubber cushions, etc.), replace if necessary.
7. Compress the shock absorber parts to the inner stop or until you feel additional resistance and compare them with the dimensions in the figure. If the dimensions are outside the specified limits, replace the shock absorber.
8. Install in the reverse order of removal, taking into account the following:
9. The lower mount bracket should fit snugly into the rubber bushing. The bracket should be in the mounting position so that the mounting bolts can be installed.
10. Do not confuse the lower plate with the upper plate. In this case, the plate may sit on the safety ring while riding.
11. In vehicles with 15-inch wheels or with a firmer suspension and with shock absorbers with a separating piston, an additional 9 mm thick gasket is installed between the buffer and the lower plate.
12. Assemble the shock absorber as shown in the figure.
13. Insert the shock absorber and use new bolts to tighten it to the lower wishbone to a torque of 2.0 kgf·m.