How to get strut over axle??? - MBWorld.org Forums

Jun 25, 2010 | 07:56 PM

Todds911

Thread Starter

Junior Member

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 30

Likes: 0

e500 2004

How to get strut over axle???

Hello,

Can anyone tell me how to get my old strut over the axle for removal? All bolts etc have been removed, it's just getting the old strut out of there now. I've tried everything, including jacking the strut up, but the strut seems to bottom out, leaving me an inch short to get the strut over the axle. Any suggestions? I even tried to hook the electric system back up to see of the computer would retract the strut, but no luck.

Everything is unhooked and unbolted, just need to retract the strut enough to get it over the axle and out.

Help!

Thanks,
Todd

Jun 25, 2010 | 11:12 PM

SZMB

Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 421

Likes: 14

From: Bay Area

2004 E500 CLK320

I haven't changed the front strut by myself yet. Maybe you can try this: Jackup the suspension to shorten the strut, then tie a strong wire (maybe gauge 14 would do) between the top and the bottom of the strut to prevent it from expanding once the jack is removed. Now move the jack away to let the suspension to drop down, there should be enough clearance to move the strut out.
Why do you need to replace the strut? Leaking? Blew up?
BTW, what tool do you use to disconnect the air hose from the top of the strut?