Removing and installing front axle spring strut or shock absorber/ADS - RA32001290605X(32-0605)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 42 other vehicles, including the 1999 Mercedes-Benz S600, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S500, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S420, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S320, and 1999 Mercedes-Benz CL600. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Preceding operations:

Drain hydraulic system (32-0630) .

Model 129 only

Operation no. of operation texts and work unit or standard texts and flat rates

32-0030

Model 129

Fig 1: Identifying Front Axle Spring Strut Or Shock Absorber/ADS Remove/Install Components

Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.

Front wheel	remove, install. Lug bolts: 110 Nm.
Front spring (12)	use compressor 000 589 46 31 00 and compressor plates (2) 000 589 79 63 00 to compress and release.
Retaining pin (11n)	remove, put on. Remove, put on pressure line (P4) at spring strut.
Self-locking nut with washer (11a)	unscrew, screw on, 80 Nm. Use socket attachment 124 589 00 09 00 (Position 5).
Rebound stop (11b)	remove, refit.
Banjo bolt (11s)	unscrew, screw on, 10 Nm.
Sealing rings (11r)	replace.
Clip retaining wire to ABS wheel-speed sensor	extract, reinsert in bracket on strut.
Self-locking hexagon bolts with washers (11i)	remove, replace, install. 110 Nm.
Self-locking hexagon bolts with washers (11u)	remove, replace, install. Remove, install bolt with washer (11k) (see note at Position 10). Tightening torques: M12x1.5 = 110 Nm, M14x1.5 = 200 Nm. Attach a hook to the steering knuckle to prevent it from tilting (Position 11). Avoid placing tension on the brake hoses or on the electrical wires to the brake-pad wear indicator and the ABS wheel-speed sensor!
Hexagon nuts (11j)	remove, install. Remove bracket (11v).
Strut (11)	remove and install from below. When installing the rubber bushing (11c), replace the self-locking hexagon nuts (11d), 20 Nm. Position the bellows (11f) on the rubber bushing (11c) before installing the strut. Tighten the ring clip (11e) against the bead on the strut tube (Position 13).
Jounce stop (11h)	detach, install. Observe installation instructions (Position 13).
Wheel alignment	Check front end alignment.

Special tools

Fig 2: Identifying Special Tools (000 589 46 31 00 32)

Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.

Fig 3: Identifying Special Tools (000 589 79 63 00 32)

Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.

Fig 4: Identifying Special Tools (124 589 00 09 00 32)

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Fig 5: Identifying Special Tools (001 589 67 21 00 00)

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NOTE: The spring struts also act as rebound stop for the front wheels. Therefore only slacken the spring strut mounting when the vehicle is on its wheels, the transverse link supported or the spring clamp is installed.

Removal, installation

Slacken front wheel.
Installation note

Tighten wheel bolts, 110 Nm.

Check front end alignment at the front axle.
Position front-spring compressor 000 589 46 31 00 and compressor plates (2) 000 589 79 63 00, then compress the spring until it ceases to exert pressure against the control arm.
NOTE: Install the compressor plates in the spring with approximately 8 coils between them.

It is essential that the extensions in the compressor bolt and the guide sleeve seat properly in the grooves of the two compressor plates. Accident risk!

Fig 6: Positioning Front-Spring Compressor
Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.
Lift and extract (arrow) the upper clamp (11n).
Installation note

Ensure correct seating of retaining pin.

Fig 7: Identifying Upper Clamp And High-Pressure Line
Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.
Unscrew the hexagon nuts (11j). Remove the bracket (11v). Detach the high-pressure line (P4) from the strut.

Fig 8: Identifying Hexagon Nuts, Bracket And High-Pressure Line
Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.
Unscrew the self-locking hexagon nut together with its washer (11a) using socket wrench 124 589 00 09 00. This tool features an integrated Allen attachment to keep the piston rod from turning during removal. If the tool is not available, use a normal Allen wrench (7 mm) to hold the rod.
Installation notes

Replace self-locking hexagon nut, 80 Nm.

Fig 9: Identifying Washer, Hexagon Nut And Rebound Travel Stop
Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.
Remove rebound travel stop (11b).
Unscrew the banjo bolt (11s); remove together with seal ring.
Installation note

Replace seal rings, 10 Nm.

Fig 10: Identifying Banjo Bolt And Seal Ring
Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.
Extract the clip holding the ABS wheel-speed sensor wire from its retainer (arrow) on the strut.

Fig 11: Locating ABS Wheel-Speed Sensor Wire
Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.
Remove the hexagon bolts (11i) from the steering knuckles (33), then remove them together with their washers.
Installation notes

Replace self-locking hexagon bolts (11i), 110 Nm.

Fig 12: Identifying Hexagon Bolts And Steering Knuckles
Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.
Remove the self-locking hexagon nut (11u) together with its washer, remove hexagon bolt (11k) with washer.
Installation notes

Replace self-locking hexagon nut (11u),

Tightening torque: M12x1.5 = 110 Nm,

M14x1.5 = 200 Nm.

Fig 13: Identifying Hexagon Bolts With Washer, Self-Locking Hexagon Nut And Steering Knuckles
Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.

During installation, start by installing the upper bolt (11k). Tighten it down a small amount, watching to make sure that the surface of the steering knuckle (33) contacts the inside of the strut. Torque down the bolts (11i) before tightening the upper bolt.
Use a hook to secure the steering knuckle and prevent it from falling sideways.

Avoid placing tension on the brake hoses or on the electrical wires to the brake-pad wear indicator and the ABS wheel-speed sensor!

Fig 14: Identifying Steering Knuckle
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Pull the strut down to remove.
Installation note

Use a jack to carefully lift the wheel suspension before installing the upper strut mount.

Fig 15: Removing Strut
Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.
Remove the jounce stop (11h).
Installation notes

Check condition of components.

Fig 16: Identifying Strut Components
Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.

Position the ring clip (11e) at the shoulder on the strut tube and tighten. Position the bellows (11f) on the rubber bushing (11c) before installing the strut.

If the rubber bushing (11c) has been removed (for instance, during body work), use new self-locking hexagon bolts to install, 20 Nm.
Reassembly is in reverse sequence.

Model 140

Fig 17: Identifying Front Axle Spring Strut Remove/Install Components

Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.

Cover in left or right of engine compartment	remove, install.
Connectors (Y51 X 1, Y52X1)	disconnect, connect, remove and install at the splash wall with rubber grommet facing downwards. Detach and reconnect directly at the ADS shock absorber unit (11) on versions installed as of 2/94. The vehicle must be on its wheels or the transverse link must be supported.
Self-locking nut with washer (11a)	unscrew, screw on. Replace self-locking nut (11a), 40 Nm. Hold in position at the shock absorber bearing using Allan key (WAF5).
Vehicle	raise, lower.
Self-locking hexagon nut with washer (11u)	remove, replace, install, 100 Nm. Extract, insert hexagon bolt with washer (11k).
ADS shock absorber unit (11)	remove, insert.

Special tool

Fig 18: Identifying Special Tools (001 589 57 21 00 00)

Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.

NOTE: As of (starting in) 2/94, the connector plugs (Y51x1, Y52x2) are inserted directly into the damper valves (connection previously located in engine compartment).

An adapter wire is included with the ADS shock absorber unit as part of the package contents. The unit is supplied with the damper bushing, jounce stop, plate and protective bellows installed.

The ADS shock absorber units simultaneously serve as the rebound travel stops for the front wheels. The shock absorber mounts should thus never be loosened unless the vehicle is resting on its front wheels, a jack is against the control arm, or the compressor and plate assembly has been mounted.

Be especially careful when lowering the vehicle on a chassis lift if individual components are being supported separately.

Removal, installation

Remove cover in left or right of engine compartment.
Detach the electrical plugs on the left (Y51x1) and right (Y52x1) sides of the engine compartment. Remove the wires with their rubber grommets by pulling down and through the firewall. On versions built after 2/94 disconnect the plug at the ADS shock absorber (11).
Y51x1 Left front damper valve plug

Fig 19: Identifying Electrical Plugs
Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.

Y52x1 Connector, damper modules, front axle, right

Fig 20: Identifying Damper Modules, Front Axle, Connector Right
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The vehicle must be on its wheels or the transverse link supported.
Unscrew self-locking nut (11a). Hold in position at shock absorber bearing using Allan key (WAF5).
Installation note

Replace self-locking nut (11a), 40 Nm.

Fig 21: Identifying Self-Locking Nut
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Raise vehicle.
Unscrew self-locking nut with washer (11u), remove bolt with washer (11k).
Installation note

Replace self-locking nut (11u), 100 Nm.

Fig 22: Identifying Self-Locking Nut With Washer
Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.
Turn wheel outwards and remove shock absorber/ADS (11).
Installation note

Inspect the ADS shock absorber unit for external signs of damage and leaks. Check the mounting components.
Install in reverse sequence.

Fig 23: Identifying Shock Absorber/ADS
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