Note. All self-locking bolts and nuts must be replaced without fail!
Removing
Installation details of the rear suspension strut assemblies
67 - Lower transverse suspension arm; 67a - Nuts; 67b - Bolts; 73 - Helical spring; 75 - Telescopic shock absorber; 75a - Nuts; 75u - Nut; 75r - Lid; 77 - Torsion bar; 78 - Distance sleeve; 78a - Bearing with nut; 78b - Bearing; 78d - Bearing; 78e - Bearing; 78f - Connecting bolt
1. The installation details of the rear suspension strut assembly are shown in the illustration, to which all references in the text refer.
2. Remove the rear wheels, remove the spare tire (except for models with the latter mounted on a holder behind the tailgate and models 163.174). If equipped, remove the outer spare wheel holder.
3. On models 163.174 (ML 55 AMG) remove the wheel arch protectors.
4. Remove the cover (75r).
5. Give nuts (75a) fastening the rack assembly to the side beam of the frame.
6. After blocking the threaded rod from turning, loosen the nut (75u) lower shock absorber (75) on the lower control arm (67).
7. Support the lower control arm (67).
8. Loosen the nut and remove the connecting bolt (78f) lower control arm mounts (67) torsion bar (77).
9. After loosening the nuts of the mounting bolts, disconnect the lever (67) from the subframe and carefully lower it down, removing it from the guide.
10. Release from lever (67) threaded shock absorber (75) rack assembly rod, - if necessary, use a hammer with a soft head.
Disassembly
Rear suspension strut assembly
73 - Helical spring; 73a - Nut; 73b - Washer; 73c - Top cushion; 73d - Thrust bearing; 73h - Spring guide; 75 - Shock absorber; 75s - Bottom cushion; 75f - Lid; 75g - Washer; 75y - Sleeve; 01 - Tool for compressing coil springs; 01a - Grips
1. Installation details of the rear suspension strut assembly components are shown in the illustration, to which all references in the text refer.
2. Compressing the coil spring with a special tool (01, 01a), remove shock absorber (75).
3. Release the spring compression tool.
4. Estimate a condition of the top components of the shock-absorber, the failed details replace.
Attention! Also make sure that the washer is installed correctly (75g).
5. Carefully examine the condition of the piston rod of the shock absorber - in case of deformation or signs of a violation of the smoothness of the piston stroke, the shock absorber must be replaced.
6. Check for signs of external leaks.
7. Replace the defective shock absorber - it is better complete with the second one.
8. Assemble the rack assembly - the spring is again compressed using a special tool.
Installation
Installation is carried out in the reverse order to the dismantling of the components. When installing the transverse arm, the rear axle must be in a strictly horizontal position. Make sure the cover fits correctly (75r).