Rear Suspension & Axle: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1994 Mercedes-Benz E500, 1994 Mercedes-Benz E420, and 1994 Mercedes-Benz E320. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheels. On E320 Cabriolet, remove 2 cross braces from under rear of vehicle. On all models, remove exhaust system and shielding from floor. Loosen drive shaft clamping nut using 46-mm Open-Ended Wrench (126 589 00 01 00). See Figure.
On all models, unbolt drive shaft intermediate bearing bracket from frame floor. See Figure. Remove drive shaft coupling from differential flange and wire aside. See Figure. Remove lower suspension cover. Loosen stabilizer bar connection at rear axle. Remove stabilizer bar.
NOTE: If vehicle is equipped with Adaptive Damping Suspension (ADS) or self-leveling suspension, ensure procedure is followed for releasing pressure from shock absorbers. See HYDRAULIC PRESSURE RELEASE.
Remove shock absorbers and coil springs. See COIL SPRING and SHOCK ABSORBER under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Remove intermediate parking brake lever and disconnect cable controls. Disconnect both brake lines and plug all openings.
On E320 Cabriolet, remove left rear axle roll-over bar switch. On all models, drain gear oil from differential housing. Remove wheel speed sensor from differential housing. Protect ABS wheel speed sensor magnetic tip and position sensor aside.
On vehicles with auxiliary heater, remove fuel pump bracket and exhaust mounting plate. On vehicles with Adaptive Damping System (ADS) suspension, disconnect hydraulic line. Remove water drain hose from rear axle bracket. Using Clamp (000 589 40 37 00), pinch fuel hose between fuel tank and fuel pump. Disconnect fuel line from fuel pump.
On vehicles with Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR), disconnect electrical connector at frame floor. Remove ASR wire harness strap. On all models, support axle assembly with a jack. Remove axle carrier bolts from frame floor. Lower rear axle assembly from vehicle.

NOTE: During installation, use NEW self-locking bolts and/or nuts as necessary. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.