Remove/install front spring - AR32.20-P-0200GZ (ML-Class)

MODEL 164.1 except CODE (489) Airmatic (air suspension with level adjustment and adaptive damping system ADS)

Fig 1: Identifying Front Spring Components

Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.

	Removing
	Risk of death caused by vehicle slipping or toppling off of the lifting platform.	Align vehicle between the columns of the lifting platform and position the four support plates at the lifting platform support points specified by the vehicle manufacturer.	AS00.00-Z-0010-01A
	Risk of injury caused by pinching or crushing when working on springs or spring bodies that are under load	Use only approved tensioning devices; shield off hazard area if necessary. Inspect special tools for damage and proper operation (visual inspection). Wear protective gloves.	AS00.00-Z-0001-01A
	Notes on self-locking nuts and bolts	All models	AH00.00-N-0001-01A
1	Remove front suspension strut		AR32.25-P-1017GZ
	Disassemble/assemble
2	Clamp tensioning device (10) in vise and insert clamping plate (8, 9)	Tensioning device	Fig 2
		Tensioning plates	Fig 3
3	Insert suspension strut into tensioning device (10)	When positioning the strut, attempt to get the maximum possible number of spring coils (7) in the spring clamp.
4	Clamp spring (7) until the upper spring cup (3) is relieved of load.
5	Remove cap (1)
6	Undo fastening nut (2) and remove shock absorber (11)	Counterhold piston rod with socket wrench.
			*BA32.25-P-1003-01G
		Socket wrench	Fig 4
7	Remove bellows (6) and stop damper (5)
8	Release tensioning device (10) and remove spring (7) with upper spring cup (3) and spring seat (4)
	Checking
9	Inspect shock absorber (11)	Check shock absorber (11) for leaks. A thin film of oil on the shock absorber (11) is acceptable. Replace shock absorber (11) if necessary.	AR32.25-P-0121A
10	Check bellows (6), stop damper (5) and spring seat (4) for signs of wear	Replace any components with oil contamination, cracks or deformation.
11	Assign spacer rings between spring (7) and spring seat (4)	Only if the vehicle level is outside the tolerance values. If the spring seat (4), spring (7) or shock absorber (11) are replaced, then remove all spacer rings.
12	Assemble in the reverse order	Assemble suspension strut such that the upper spring cup (3) is correctly assembled and positioned on the suspension strut.
	Install
13	Install front suspension strut		AR32.25-P-1017GZ
14	Check headlamp adjustment and correct if necessary	After installing new parts.
	Check and correct headlamp setting		AP82.10-P-8260GZ