Front & Rear Rubber Bushings In Rear Axle: Removal

1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove rear wheels.
2. Remove underbody panel (131). Avoid bending side cover panels any more than absolutely necessary. Unscrew the four rear bolts on the side cover panel (131a) and press the panel down. See Fig 1.
3. Remove torsion bar (6). Unbolt at linkage rods at bottom of torsion bar. See TORSION BAR .
4. Unbolt fuel filter (115) from bracket. Do not disconnect fuel lines.
5. Remove exhaust heat shield (105c) Lift front section and remove rear section.
6. Remove bolts from center driveshaft bearing support (106a).
7. Disconnect propeller shaft (106) from rear axle center assembly at the flange. The flexible coupling remains on the propeller shaft. Tie propeller shaft to the side.
WARNING: Ensure to give adequate support to final drive unit, failure to do so may result in damage of components and/or personal injury.
8. Support final-drive unit.
9. Unscrew front and rear axle mounting bolts (1c and 1d) on one side.
10. Remove torsion bar (6b) bracket. See TORSION BAR .
11. Lower rear axle. Use lever to press rear axle away from tank when lowering. Lower the rear axle until the rubber mounts can be pulled in and out with the Removal And Installation Tool. See Figure under SPECIAL TOOLS.
12. Remove rubber mount for front and rear axle mount (1a and 1b).

Fig 1: Removing & Installing Front & Rear Rubber Bushings

Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.