1xsculler

I thought I read that the upper rear shock mounting fasteners can be removed by taking apart just the 3rd row seat armrests and that it’s not necessary to dismantle most of the floor and sides of the rear compartment.
Many truth to this?

gb25

You can do it that way, but I don't remember if the armrest is meant to be removed. It may be that you are breaking glued joints or plastic clips to remove it. In the video it does look like it may have clips though. I can't remember. I think I just pulled the side panel back enough to get to the nuts when I did mine.

lkchris

It’s all one piece. If the armrest portion could be detached, there are no fasteners listed. You’ll be essentially destroying the panel I think.

https://nemigaparts.com/cat_spares/e...22/63l/69/045/

mefferso

As mentioned above, you will not be able to reattach those 3rd row arm rests. However, you will save yourself 4-6 hours of cussing MB engineers for making it such a pain in the *** to get to the top bolts of those rear shocks. I recently did the rear shock replacement the hard way with occasional help from my wife (Final lift and reattachment of each panel really needs 2 people). I used the link below for a general guide. Its for the ML but close enough to get you to the finish line.

Callisto1

I got to the shock nuts through the armrests. Yes, you have to break off the plastic clips that attach them to the housing. Afterwards, the armrests looked and worked fine just sitting there, even if they weren't as secure as before. Definitely worth it to me to go the easy route. But beware, it is a tight fit to get your hand and socket down in there. And you will be ripping out some foam insualtion. If I recall, it wouldn't have worked without a swivel attachment for the socket. And make sure you have an extension magnet and grabber tool handy in the event you drop the nut after loosening it.

alx

this.

Callisto1

???

lkchris

I’ve done this work the factory way and didn’t find it particularly bothersome. Yes, seat belts and 3rd row seat switches are a bit of a fight, but not impossible. It’s not “most of the floor” for sure, just the rear trim that fits over the bottom of the side pieces. This pries off in less than a minute ... it’s nice to have wis procedures to remind you of the screws of course. Shocks in my experience are a once every 10 years job. All nuts involved are lock nuts and of course are replaced rather than reused as is obvious good practice.

DennisG01

Question... Right now my rear shocks are OK, but in anticipation of 'someday' and/or to help others... Are those plastic clips on the rear armrests replaceable or are they part of the armrest? Or, couldn't a little bit of adhesive caulk be used to re-secure it?

lkchris

If there are clips---I didn't notice--they are not listed in the spare parts system. See the link I posted above.

Believe me, it won't kill you to do this job the right way. Breaking something to gain access is shade tree mekanikun at worst.

alx

"this" means i completely agree with you and if i had to type it would be identical to what you posted.

DennisG01

Generally, I would completely agree. But in this case, the workaround seems to simplify things and using a little adhesive sealant to hold it in place would be, although "different", I think a perfectly acceptable solution. I mean, what's the difference if the armrest is held in place with plastic clips or an adhesive, you know? Thinking... 3M 4200, LifeSeal, RTV, heck even plain old/cheap silicone should work.

Callisto1

Hi praise indeed coming from the elder statesman/guru of this forum.

WinterPark321

According to Mercedes WIS, the proper way to do it, is to remove the entire panel. Yes it was a pain in the butt, but after doing it the right way, all that work was worth it. It is not particularly hard, just make sure the white clips behind the panel don't go flying, and if they do, have some replacements on hand.

lkchris

Noting again ...

WIS specifies that both the top nuts and lower nuts used to mount rear shocks are single use items. Replace, don’t reuse.

if you’re interested ...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Reno_Air_Races_crash

1xsculler

I popped the 3rd seat row armrests off and broke only the clip that is screwed on. I don't see it as a problem. This is the second vehicle I have installed Arnott shocks on and, with their lifetime warranty and excellent ride quality, I love them.