johntaylorcos

Hi Group, my wife's 2006 CLS 500 W219 is getting a new front suspension

A broken Air-Matic lower strut mount was the original problem - see photo.
Note: Photo (500KB) stops loading at 90%. Wonder why?

I figured, "110k miles, rear suspension already rebuilt, compressor previously replaced, might as well do the whole front"

1. bushings
2. ball joints
3. outer tie rods
4. sway bar arms
5. entire arms where ball joints not replaceable.
6. Genuine Mercedes or Lemforder parts.
7. Arnott remanufactured struts.
8. New concentric bolts, nuts.

I read many forum threads and watched a lot of videos. I've also done a similar rebuild to my Audi A8 D2 (no Airmatic though), and some of the bushings on my CLK 430 (w208).

• Air tools
• STAR C3 system
• No lift, but floor jack and tall truck jack stands.
• Mercedes bushing press in/out tool.
• Ball joint removal tool.
• Still need the proper diameter ball joint press tool. (feel free to suggest tool)

Except for the upper front control arms with the non-replaceable ball joint, I'll be pressing out, and then installing the bushings ball joints. Wanted to keep the original Mercedes arms if possible.

Remember, 12 year old car. Very well maintained. 110k miles. Steering rack and inner tie rods replaced two years ago.

Questions:

Q1: any advice on the order I should remove and replace the arms (with the newly installed bushings and ball joints) to make life easier?
Q2: what "special things" should I be concerned with dealing with and replacing the Airmatic strut (remanufactured from Arnott)?
Q3: I have a C3 STAR system. Can I use that to "compress" the air springs/struts during installation?
Q3: should I repack the front bearings/spindle, or anything else while I'm in there?
Q4: SBC brake system. Do I need to be concerned with anything related to that?
Q5: What else should I have asked you all that I'm too naive to think of?

Any wisdom or experience is appreciated.

Thanks,
- John

JohnTaylorCOS (Colorado Springs, Colorado)

Frank Dunn

I have an 06 CLS 500. I'm 55 and it took me 4 hrs to replace the lower control arm. Thank the stars my son had the right tools. The frame to lower arm bushing bolt has a star head on it. Used a standard socket to hold it while getting it out. Lower ball joint was a pain. Sore for 2 days in my back...I'm getting to old for that crap..lol. Good luck. Keep the children away so they dont learn bad words!