Rear Suspension & Axle: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1994 Mercedes-Benz C280 and 1994 Mercedes-Benz C220. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheels. Remove exhaust system and shielding from floor. Loosen drive shaft clamping nut using 41-mm Open-Ended Wrench (201 589 00 01 00) or 46-mm Open-Ended Wrench (126 589 00 01 00). See Figure.
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.
Remove fuel pump cover. Unhook fuel pump assembly and suspend aside with wire. Disconnect fuel pump electrical connector. On vehicles with Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR), remove luggage compartment cover.
Disconnect ASR electrical connectors. Pull ASR electrical connectors through rubber grommet in floor of luggage compartment. Remove shock absorbers and coil springs. See COIL SPRING and SHOCK ABSORBER under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
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.
Disconnect stabilizer bar connection at rear axle. Remove intermediate parking brake lever and disconnect cable controls. Disconnect both brakelines and plug all openings.
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 automatic locking differential (ASD), bleed ASD hydraulic system pressure. See HYDRAULIC PRESSURE RELEASE. Disconnect hydraulic line from differential. 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.