Front Suspension

NOTE: Numbers in parentheses ( ) indicate a component or tool in the associated illustration.

WARNING:
^ The damper strut simultaneously acts as the rebound stop for the front wheel.
^ Only disconnect the damper strut mountings when the front spring is removed.

REMOVAL
1. Remove front wheel
2. Remove lower engine compartment panel





3. Unscrew nuts (22f) for fastening the stabilizer bar and remove bracket (22b)
4. Remove front spring and rubber mount.





5. Remove nut on track rod
- Force track rod bail joint (28b) out of steering knuckle arm (29) using puller (040) tool No. 124 589 03 33 00 and thrust piece (041) tool No. 129 589 10 63 00, or equivalents
- Check rubber boot for damage
- Discard nut





6. Disconnect brake line (40) from brake hose (39) on front end (38)
- Seal off lines to prevent penetration of dirt





7. Disconnect brake pads sensor intermediate plug connector (X88/5) in engine compartment and pull through the wheelhouse





8. On models with level control, disconnect control rod at stabilizer bar linkage (arrows)
- Move level controller lever (3a) to position "L" (emptying)
- Connect hose to oil drain plug (3p) and hold other end in the oil reservoir





- Release pressure by carefully opening oil drain plug (6p) while holding the hose securely





- Lift rear end (arrow) of bracket (11n) and pull out forwards. Disconnect pressure line (B4)





9. Unscrew nut of upper damper strut mounting, or threaded sleeve on vehicles with level control, and remove rebound stop from rubber mount
- Use socket wrench (029) 124 589 00 09 00





10. Unscrew nuts of eccentric bolts (20 and 19) and remove eccentric bolts





11. Remove front axle half
- Check rubber mount of stabilizer bar

INSTALLATION
Install in the reverse sequence, noting the following information:
- Replace self-locking nuts
- Bleed brake system, refer to Brakes and Traction Control

CAUTION
^ Ensure brake hose is not twisted when connecting and that it is routed so that it cannot chafe
^ To check, turn the steering to full left and right lock while fully expanding and compressing the springs of the front axle half

- Replace sealing rings on suspension system hydraulic connections.
- Fill and bleed suspension hydraulic system
- Install front eccentric bolts of control arm from rear to front.
- Install rear eccentric bolts of control arm from front to rear.
- Only tighten the eccentric bolt when the vehicle is standing on 1ts wheels (ready to drive)
- Measure and align front axle. Refer to "Wheels, Tires and Alignment". Service and Repair
- Check rubber mount of stabilizer bar
- Tighten the following components as noted:
- Track rod nut: 50 Nm
- Brake line fitting: 15 Nm
- Upper damper threaded sleeve: 80 Nm
- Control arm eccentric bolt: 120 Nm
- Stabilizer bar clamp nuts: 20 Nm