A-Class Rear Suspension

[Richard Murray]

Hi

The rear suspension strut on my wife's (99) A-160 (drivers side) is leaking. Gave it a visual inspection tonight (and soaked nuts/bolts with WD40) to see if it can be done at home, but as usual one of the bolts looks inaccessible.

Can someone give me the correct procedure for removal and refitting please, or is this strictly dealer only?

The bolt that looks tricky, is the top suspension one. One side is visible, but the nut and thread end is hidden. I assume that you...

1/ Raise vehicle, secure, etc
2/ Clamp suspension spring and remove
3/ Loosen lower suspension strut nut/bolt, looks like 18mm and withdraw
4/ Loosen and remove torx screw (towards rear of vehicle) that holds the suspension unit to the chassis - so that the whole unit can lower slightly - which hopefully gives access to the top suspension strut bolt (with the nylon washers, etc)

Please advise - hate to be beaten on something that looks so simple!!!

Cheers

Richard

 

[NormanB]

I cannot advise you because I know diddly about the A Class, but just to warn you that on 'larger' mercedes the choice of spring compressor/retainer is a topic of discussion on forums both sides of the pond - the conclusion is do not mess unless you have the pukka (german) tool as generic one size fits all clamps ain't up to the job - with the obvious and attendant dangers if that energy goes walk about.

You really are going thro' the mill with that A Class - looked at one for the wife myself but instead chose the Toyota Yaris - now there is a good car with excellent dealers :wink:

 

[Richard Murray]

Rear suspension update...

Norman

I'm using steel forged Draper compressors. Have used them successfully on my Audi Avant TDi, which has significantly bigger springs.

I appreciate the concern though, as I know that a 'live spring' is a dangerous one. Luckily the A-Class rear suspension spring can effectively 'drop out' after it's been compressed as the strut is independent and doesn't go through the centre of the spring.

I'm due to pick up the new strut from the MB dealer tomorrow (Tuesday), so I'll ask to speak to one of their technicians for a brief summary for removal.

Richard