How to Replace Rear Strut, Coil Spring & Mount Assembly – Mercedes-Benz ML-Class W163 (1998–2005)

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions on replacing the rear strut and coil assembly. The ML 163 chassis uses four wheels of independent suspension. In the rear axle suspension, you will find coil springs that support the back of the car. The W163 uses coil springs and separate shock absorbers on the rear axle. Complete replacement spring/shock assemblies are available and can be installed as a unit, avoiding the need to transfer the spring using a spring compressor.

Parts Needed:

Rear strut and coil assembly DIY_ML_163_how to replace rear stuts00040 For ML320 1999 – 2003; ML350 2003 – 2005; ML430 1999 – 2001; ML55 ML500 2002-2005

Tools Needed:

13 mm stubby Ratcheting Wrench – MUST HAVE

Jack stands

Torque Wrench

Step by Step Instruction with Pictures.

WARNING: The rear coil spring is under significant stored tension and can cause serious injury if it is released improperly. If replacing only the shock absorber and transferring the existing spring, use a properly rated suspension spring compressor and follow the manufacturer’s procedure. Do not attempt to remove a compressed spring using improvised tools. A complete pre-assembled spring/shock unit eliminates the need to compress the spring during this procedure.

Loosen the lug nuts.
Raise the car.
Make sure to put jack stands under the car to be safe. Remove the wheel from the vehicle.
Remove the lining from the wheel housing.
Remove the plastic cover on top of the strut. Underneath it are 3 13 mm nuts that you need to remove.
Remove the three nuts on top of the spring strut mounting. These three nuts secure the upper shock/spring assembly to the vehicle body. There is very little room for you to access the 13 mm nuts. It would be best if you had a ratcheting 13mm or 1/2-inch wrench. Access to these nuts is limited, so a short 13 mm ratcheting wrench can make removal easier. Limited clearance can make removal difficult even with a stubby ratcheting wrench; click here to see one.
Remove the nut underneath that connects the strut to the lower wishbone.
Support the rear lower control arm with a suitable floor jack before disconnecting the sway-bar/link rod and control-arm mounting bolts. Remove the bolt for the link rod. The rear link rods connect the rear control arm and the torsion bar.
Remove the two bolts at the rear lower control arm and the frame.
Lower the rear control arm by detaching it from the rear axle carrier.
Pull out the rear strut once you have enough room to do so. Sometimes, you may need to hammer it out of the lower control arm.
Install the new strut and coil spring assembly. Do not fully torque the lower control-arm mounting bolts while the suspension is hanging at full droop. Final tightening should be performed at the specified suspension/ride-height position to prevent preloading and premature failure of the control-arm bushings.

Tightening Torques
Replace self-locking/prevailing-torque nuts where specified by Mercedes-Benz. Do not automatically reuse suspension locking nuts simply because they appear undamaged.