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

Model 257, 290 except code 489 (AIR BODY CONTROL) 

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Shown on model 257 except code M005 (4MATIC) 

Alignment of spring cup (2) to shock absorber (10) 

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	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
	Notes on repair work on suspension components		AH00.00-P-0100-01A
	Remove
1	Remove suspension strut (13).		AR32.25-P-1017FR
	Disassemble/assemble
2	Clamp tensioning device (11) in vise and insert clamping plates (12).	Clamping plate	Fig 2
		Tensioning device	Fig 3
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 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 installation of the shims (3). L1 = Two shims (3) L2 = One shim (3) L3 = No shim (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
		Assembly:  Make sure that the marking on the fourth coil of the spring is not concealed by the tensioning device (11).
	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-1017FR

Fig 1: Identifying Socket Set (001 589 03 16 00)

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Fig 2: Identifying Clamping Plate (230 589 11 63 00)

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Fig 3: Identifying Tensioning Device (203 589 01 31 00)

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