How to replace rear shock absorber on Mercedes SL500?
Lower the jack and push the upper shaft of the rear shock absorber (green arrow) down slightly and remove it from the mounting hole in the body (yellow arrow). Pull the rear shock absorber upwards to remove it from its mount in the lower control arm. This may be a tight fit.
How to replace rear shock absorber on Mercedes R129?
You can just move the sensor arm down (as shown in photo) to give you more room to remove the fastener. On the front side of the control arm remove the 10mm fastener (green arrow). Remove the lower control arm plastic cover, pull it straight off the control arm to detach it.
What causes rear shock absorber to wear out?
Over time the rear shock absorber internal valves wear out. This makes the rear shock absorber ineffective in controlling the rate of the coil spring return to its normal shape, which results in the rear end of the car bouncing excessively over bumps.
What happens if you have a leak in your air suspension?
If a major leak has developed, you may even hear a hissing sound from the wheel housing area. The whole front or rear of the car will drop down, even when only one of the struts is defective. The car will drop more on one side, typically on the side of the leaking air strut.
Lower the jack and push the upper shaft of the rear shock absorber (green arrow) down slightly and remove it from the mounting hole in the body (yellow arrow). Pull the rear shock absorber upwards to remove it from its mount in the lower control arm. This may be a tight fit.
Over time the rear shock absorber internal valves wear out. This makes the rear shock absorber ineffective in controlling the rate of the coil spring return to its normal shape, which results in the rear end of the car bouncing excessively over bumps.
How does a strut mount on a car work?
A strut mount is like a sandwich. One side bolts to the vehicle, the other side to the strut. In the middle is a rubber-like insulating material. So as the vehicle moves and goes over bumps, the up & down impact pushes and pulls at the mount.
You can just move the sensor arm down (as shown in photo) to give you more room to remove the fastener. On the front side of the control arm remove the 10mm fastener (green arrow). Remove the lower control arm plastic cover, pull it straight off the control arm to detach it.
Can a rear shock absorber be replaced on both sides?
The procedure to replace the rear shock absorber is the same for both the left and right side. In these pictures I am working on the left side. Keep in mind all the steps apply to both sides. It is recommended you replace both sides at the same time to keep your handling neutral.