Looking for DIY on changing lower control arm
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 73
Likes: 2
2003 E320
Looking for DIY on changing lower control arm
Hello,
I'm having difficulties finding a good DIY on how to change the lower control arm, the one with the strut and sway bar link attached. I've found plenty showing how to replace the thrust arm, but since it's also called can control arm, I can seem to find what I need.
Here is the part so there is no confusion
http://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Inf...69&SVSVSI=3822
Thanks..
I'm having difficulties finding a good DIY on how to change the lower control arm, the one with the strut and sway bar link attached. I've found plenty showing how to replace the thrust arm, but since it's also called can control arm, I can seem to find what I need.
Here is the part so there is no confusion
http://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Inf...69&SVSVSI=3822
Thanks..
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 436
Likes: 64
From: Dartmouth, MA
1967 250SE, 2022 GLC300 2023 EQB300, 2018 AMG GT
I am sure there is a thread somewhere in these forums. It is straightforward but you need STAR diagnostic to release the air from the strut (if you have Airmatic).
- release air (Airmatic only)
- remove bottom panneling
- remove ball joint nut and pop ball joint off
- remove sway bar link nut
- remove strut and control arm bolts
- release air (Airmatic only)
- remove bottom panneling
- remove ball joint nut and pop ball joint off
- remove sway bar link nut
- remove strut and control arm bolts
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 73
Likes: 2
2003 E320
I am sure there is a thread somewhere in these forums. It is straightforward but you need STAR diagnostic to release the air from the strut (if you have Airmatic).
- release air (Airmatic only)
- remove bottom panneling
- remove ball joint nut and pop ball joint off
- remove sway bar link nut
- remove strut and control arm bolts
- release air (Airmatic only)
- remove bottom panneling
- remove ball joint nut and pop ball joint off
- remove sway bar link nut
- remove strut and control arm bolts
I'm pretty sure I don't have the Airmatic strut, but just in case, how do I tell?
Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 97
Likes: 9
2006 E320 CDI
http://www.mercedesmedic.com/?s=lower+ball+joint
There are several helpful replacement instructions for front end suspension here.
I just completed the whole front end suspension, not hard, just time consuming. I would suggest a ball joint seperator tool, Harbor Freight has one that worked great for me. One more point, the MB service manual recommends placing weight on the wheels before torqueing the bolts.
John
There are several helpful replacement instructions for front end suspension here.
I just completed the whole front end suspension, not hard, just time consuming. I would suggest a ball joint seperator tool, Harbor Freight has one that worked great for me. One more point, the MB service manual recommends placing weight on the wheels before torqueing the bolts.
John
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 73
Likes: 2
2003 E320
http://www.mercedesmedic.com/?s=lower+ball+joint
There are several helpful replacement instructions for front end suspension here.
I just completed the whole front end suspension, not hard, just time consuming. I would suggest a ball joint seperator tool, Harbor Freight has one that worked great for me. One more point, the MB service manual recommends placing weight on the wheels before torqueing the bolts.
John
There are several helpful replacement instructions for front end suspension here.
I just completed the whole front end suspension, not hard, just time consuming. I would suggest a ball joint seperator tool, Harbor Freight has one that worked great for me. One more point, the MB service manual recommends placing weight on the wheels before torqueing the bolts.
John
Was the sway bar link difficult to remove? I've read it can be tricky to get a wrench to the upper bolt.
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Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 436
Likes: 64
From: Dartmouth, MA
1967 250SE, 2022 GLC300 2023 EQB300, 2018 AMG GT
The sway bar link is not difficult to remove but a pain to tighten back because you have to hold the bolt from turning with a short 10 or 12 mm (forgot which one) allen wrench. You have to buy one and cut the short end. The access to that bolt is blocked by the strut.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 73
Likes: 2
2003 E320
cool thx.
do you think these would work without cutting:
