Disassemble/Assemble Suspension Strut - AR32.25-P-1018LWO

Model 238

Except Code 489 (AIR BODY CONTROL)

Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

Alignment of spring retainer (2) relative to shock absorber (10)

Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

	Risk of injury caused by pinching or crushing when working on springs or spring bodies that are under tension	Use only approved tensioning devices; additionally screen off hazardous area if necessary. Check special tools for damage and proper operation (visual inspection). Wear protective gloves.	AS00.00-Z-0001-01A
Notice	Notes on self-locking nuts and bolts		AH00.00-P-0001-01KOA
	Remove
1	Remove suspension strut (13).		AR32.25-P-1017LWO
	Disassemble/assemble
2	Clamp tensioning device (11) in vise and insert clamping plates (12).	Tensioning device	Fig 3
		Clamping plates	Fig 2
3	Insert suspension strut (13) into tensioning device (11).	Insert suspension strut (13) to tension as many spring coils (5) as possible.
4	Place match marks on spring (5) and clamping plates (12) using suitable adhesive strips.	Do not use a touch-up paint pen because the spring (5) is color coded.
5	Clamp spring (5) until spring retainer (2) is relieved.	Assembly: Align spring retainer (2), as shown, to shock absorber (10).
6	Counterhold piston rod (8), unscrew nut (1) and remove spring retainer (2) as well as spring seat (4).	Do not use an impact wrench. ↓ Assembly: Depending on the spring (5) involved, none, one or two shims (3) are fitted between the spring cup (2) and the spring seat (4). The spring (5) has an appropriate marking on the fourth coil. The last two characters define the load group and thereby the number of fitted shims (3). L1 = Two shims (3). L2 = One shim (3). L3 = No shims (3). Nut, piston rod to head bearing	*BA32.25-P-1003-04P
		Socket set	Fig 1
7	Remove shock absorber (10) from spring (5).
8	Remove boot (7) and stop buffer (6).
9	Release tensioning device (11) and remove spring (5).	Assembly: When replacing the spring (5) transfer the marking on the old spring (5) to the new spring (5). Assembly: Depending on the spring (5) involved, none, one or two shims (3) are fitted between the spring cup (2) and the spring seat (4). The spring (5) has an appropriate marking on the fourth coil. The last two digits define the load group and thereby the number of fitted shims (3). L1 = Two shims (3). L2 = One shim (3). L3 = No shims (3).
	Check
10	Check shock absorber (10) for damage and leakage.	In the event of a problem, ↓ Replace shock absorber (10).
11	Check boot (7), stop buffer (6) and spring seat (4) for wear.	In the event of a problem, ↓ Replace boot (7), stop buffer (6) or spring seat (4).
12	Assembly in reverse order
	Install
13	Install suspension strut (13).		AR32.25-P-1017LWO
	Check
14	Check and correct headlamp adjustment.	After installation of spring seat (4) and spring (5).
			AP82.10-P-8260J