When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
A couple of years ago I decided it was time to replace the rear shocks that were leaking at ~180K miles. Since I didn't expect to keep the GL for an extended amount of time and I couldn't find Bilsteins (with ADS) for less than the ~$1000 MAP price, I went with some no-name Chinese replacements off I think Amazon for about a third of that. I was expecting an improvement in handling and didn't really notice one which was surprising given the age/mileage of the I think original shocks. Not a good sign in hindsight. Since then, the ride and floatiness from the rear end has gotten progressively worse and worse to the point I really didn't like driving it, I noticed one of the rear shocks was leaking again and one of the rear tires was starting to wear in a cupped fashion, which is a symptom of a bad shock. Since Rock Auto carries Bilsteins for ~$650, I decided to replace them again. It wasn't hard to tell the difference this time. Both ride and the wallowiness of the rear end both improved dramatically. If you're doing the rear shocks, spend the extra money on the Bilsteins - it is well worth the extra cost.
2014 E550, 2007 GL450, 2003 Audi A6, 2019 Ford F-350
X164 rear shocks
One of the most intricate rear shock jobs I’ve done. Had to remove the headliner all the way around in the trunk to access the top bolts.one of the YouTube videos recommended to remove the 3rd row armrest. Don’t do it, it will break off and it won’t be any easier. It’s not meant to come out and can’t be glued back.
Insulating foam had to be cut on top of the bolts with a razor and then glued it back with contact cement spray. Surprisingly everything went back on like in original state. Use good quality shocks, do not go cheap.
Last edited by TIANARHADOO; Sep 29, 2021 at 01:01 AM.
Reason: Adding notes
Definitely Bilstein shocks are the way to go. I replaced my rear ones with them. I also hear Arnotr not to the bed as well but not sure don’t know much about them
I just had all four shocks replaced on my 09 GL550 all with ADS. To the best of your knowledge could the mechanic have replaced my rears without doing the work you did replacing yours? I checked all the seams and trim and fasteners for signs of removal and replacing and see no evidence of it. Could they have possibly installed the new rears without doing what you did?
They were Arnott new and not oem remaned.
Thanks for the pictures, it does require quite a bit of removal in the interior to get to the top of the shocks. It would be pretty tough to get to the nuts and remove them without dropping them going through the armrest, especially the first time when the foam is intact, but people have done it. I pulled the side panels both times.
I just had all four shocks replaced on my 09 GL550 all with ADS. To the best of your knowledge could the mechanic have replaced my rears without doing the work you did replacing yours? I checked all the seams and trim and fasteners for signs of removal and replacing and see no evidence of it. Could they have possibly installed the new rears without doing what you did?
They were Arnott new and not oem remaned.
They probably replaced the Air Struts/springs, not the shocks.
The x164 has both 'shocks' and 'air struts'. The front suspension has a combined air strut + shock assembly. You can replace just the air strut (typical diy route), or the whole unit. Whereas, in the rear, the two components are separate, so they can be replaced individually; although typically you would only replace the air struts.
In short, replacing the rear air struts does not equate to replacing the rear shocks. And the price tag would be considerably different to do both.
There’s no way a shop could have replaced the shocks properly unless they removed the interior panels.
i did mine in about a day, it wasn’t that hard just tedious. If I paid a shop 10 hrs or labor for this job only to find that they ripped off the seat armrests and glued them back I’d be coming back to get money out of them.
rear air springs are about 25 minutes a side and only the wheel has to come off.
One of the most intricate rear shock jobs I’ve done. Had to remove the headliner all the way around in the trunk to access the top bolts.one of the YouTube videos recommended to remove the 3rd row armrest. Don’t do it, it will break off and it won’t be any easier. It’s not meant to come out and can’t be glued back.
Insulating foam had to be cut on top of the bolts with a razor and then glued it back with contact cement spray. Surprisingly everything went back on like in original state. Use good quality shocks, do not go cheap.
This was just for the shocks, not the air suspension?
That is a crazy amount of labor.
2014 E550, 2007 GL450, 2003 Audi A6, 2019 Ford F-350
Originally Posted by The Thomas J
This was just for the shocks, not the air suspension?
That is a crazy amount of labor.
This work was to replace the shocks alone. Replacing rear air springs is a 20 minute job per side..
Remove compressor fuse and wheel. Loosen fitting on the hose slowly and remove pressure. Compress the air bag and pull it out, insert the new one.
Use the new fittings that came with the new bags. Do not over tight. I used Arnott and it’s been almost 10 years since installed they hold tight, no leaks.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
