33 52 000 Removing and installing/replacing rear left or right shock absorber: Notes

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NOTE:

Read and comply with notes on replacing shock absorbers. See 33 00... INFORMATION ON REPLACING SHOCK ABSORBERS and 33 90... TROUBLESHOOTING SHOCK ABSORBER .

IMPORTANT: Only for vehicles with ride-height control (air suspension).
Ensure correct mating (absorber/support pot) when replacing shock absorbers.

The following mating combinations (absorber/support pot) are permissible.

DIMENSION SPECIFICATION

Damper	Support pot
A 394.5 mm	B 69.2 mm
C 347.5 mm	C 22.0 mm

Absorber/support pot mating must be identical on left/right sides.

Version with Vertical Dynamics Management:

Fig 1: Identifying Damper And Support Pot Dimension

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IMPORTANT: Handle the spring strut with care so as to avoid damaging the control unit (1) and control valve (2).

Fig 2: Identifying Control Unit And Control Valve

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Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove REAR WHEEL
Tension both COIL SPRINGS WITH SPECIAL TOOL (and leave on vehicle)
Version with ride-height control: Deactivate and drain AIR SPRING SYSTEM
E70 only: Version with 3rd seat row: Remove lashing rail in luggage compartment.

Version with Vertical Dynamics Management:

NOTE: The plug connections on the right side are shown.

Partially detach REAR WHEEL ARCH COVER .

Detach both plug connections (3) and expose lines up to shock absorber.

Plug connection for brake pad wear sensor
Plug connection for pulse generator

Fig 3: Identifying Plug Connection

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Release retainer (1) and remove brake hose (2) from shock absorber (4).

Installation:

When installing the shock absorber, ensure that the holder for the brake hose (2) points to the middle of the vehicle.

Ensure correct seating in guide.

Retainer must be felt and heard to snap into place.

Release screw (3).

Fig 4: Identifying Brake Hose And Shock Absorber

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IMPORTANT: Secure shock absorber against falling out.

Remove shock absorber (4) from swinging arm and tie back.

IMPORTANT: Before tightening screw/bolt connection, check that shock absorber pin is correctly positioned in swinging arm.

Screw must not be used as an aid to installing the shock absorber!

Fig 5: Identifying Shock Absorber Pin

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Installation:

Replace screw.

Tighten bolt in NORMAL POSITION .

Tightening torque 33 52 3AZ .

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!

Do not pull expanding clips with luggage compartment tray out of lashing rail.

Fig 6: Identifying Expanding Clips And Compartment Tray

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Release expanding clips (1).

Press luggage compartment tray (2) to one side.

Installation:

Replace damaged expanding clips.

NOTE: Pictured: the support pot for steel spring suspension or 5-seater with ride-height control up to 09/2007, both for conventional shock absorbers and controlled shock absorbers. From 09/2007 this support pot will only be fitted in vehicles with steel spring suspension.

Unscrew nuts (1).

Installation:

Replace self-locking nuts.

Tightening torque 33 52 1AZ .

Fig 7: Identifying Shock Absorbers Nuts

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Remove shock absorber if necessary with connecting lines in downward direction.

Installation:

Clean body contact surface for support bearing flange all round.

Fig 8: Identifying Shock Absorber

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IMPORTANT: Replace faulty sealing washer (1).

Refit sealing washer (1).

Fig 9: Identifying Sealing Washer

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