ADS and Airmatic Equipped rear shock (not airbag) replacement question
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 78
Likes: 15
From: New Orleans, LA
2013 GL550 and 2015 GL63 AMG
ADS and Airmatic Equipped rear shock (not airbag) replacement question
During a recent visit to the MB dealer to have my Keyless Go control unit replaced, they found a leaking rear shock (not the airbag). Considering my GL has 75k miles, I am not absolutely surprised. Their quote to replace both rear shocks was "shocking" at $2600 before tax. I'm curious if anyone has attempted this repair themselves? Is there anything different when replacing the shocks (not the airbags) on an ADS (Active Damping System) equipped vehicle?
I did some searching online and found MBOnlineParts.com. They have the exact shocks (P/N: 166-320-09-30) for my ADS and Airmatic equipped 2013 GL550 at "only" $577.50 a piece (normally $770):
https://www.mbonlineparts.com/oem-pa...PWxheWVyXzE%3D
I found a video on YouTube that details replacing the rear shocks and the airbags on a similar year GL450 that I plan to follow and complete myself for just the rear shocks:
I did some searching online and found MBOnlineParts.com. They have the exact shocks (P/N: 166-320-09-30) for my ADS and Airmatic equipped 2013 GL550 at "only" $577.50 a piece (normally $770):
https://www.mbonlineparts.com/oem-pa...PWxheWVyXzE%3D
I found a video on YouTube that details replacing the rear shocks and the airbags on a similar year GL450 that I plan to follow and complete myself for just the rear shocks:
Last edited by NolaGL550; Sep 28, 2017 at 02:25 PM. Reason: clarified I'm not replacing the airbags, just the shocks
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 506
Likes: 54
GL350 Bluetec and GLS580
I replaced my w164 right rear suspension airbag and I would rate the job as being easier than a brake job.
Also, I would used http://www.arnottindustries.com/ instead of MB's. I purchased a new unit not a refurbished one. I think it was roughly $250.
Also, I would used http://www.arnottindustries.com/ instead of MB's. I purchased a new unit not a refurbished one. I think it was roughly $250.
During a recent visit to the MB dealer to have my Keyless Go control unit replaced, they found a leaking rear shock. Considering my GL has 75k miles, I am not absolutely surprised. Their quote to replace both rear shocks was "shocking" at $2600 before tax.
I did some searching online and found MBOnlineParts.com. They have the exact shocks (P/N: 166-320-09-30) for my ADS and Airmatic equipped 2013 GL550 at "only" $577.50 a piece (normally $770):
https://www.mbonlineparts.com/oem-pa...PWxheWVyXzE%3D
I found a video on YouTube that details replacing the rear shocks on a similar year GL450 that I plan to follow and complete myself:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ma-g-qN1yvI
I'm curious if anyone has attempted this repair themselves? Is there anything different when replacing the shocks on an ADS (Active Damping System) equipped vehicle?
I did some searching online and found MBOnlineParts.com. They have the exact shocks (P/N: 166-320-09-30) for my ADS and Airmatic equipped 2013 GL550 at "only" $577.50 a piece (normally $770):
https://www.mbonlineparts.com/oem-pa...PWxheWVyXzE%3D
I found a video on YouTube that details replacing the rear shocks on a similar year GL450 that I plan to follow and complete myself:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ma-g-qN1yvI
I'm curious if anyone has attempted this repair themselves? Is there anything different when replacing the shocks on an ADS (Active Damping System) equipped vehicle?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 78
Likes: 15
From: New Orleans, LA
2013 GL550 and 2015 GL63 AMG
I replaced my w164 right rear suspension airbag and I would rate the job as being easier than a brake job.
Also, I would used http://www.arnottindustries.com/ instead of MB's. I purchased a new unit not a refurbished one. I think it was roughly $250.
Also, I would used http://www.arnottindustries.com/ instead of MB's. I purchased a new unit not a refurbished one. I think it was roughly $250.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 78
Likes: 15
From: New Orleans, LA
2013 GL550 and 2015 GL63 AMG
Thanks, Jim. At least it sounds pretty straight forward then. The only other question I have about removing the rear shocks is how to access the upper mount bolts. In the video I posted, the guy removes the rear armrests to access the shock mount. However, I am not certain this is the correct means. One of the replies to this video says that removing the armrests this way requires breaking the armrest tabs that connect it to the side panel. Is there a better means of accessing the top shock mount bolts? If it requires removing the side interior panel, anyone know where to find instructions, or know how it's done? If I can get to those bolts, I can accomplish this repair for half the cost.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 283
Likes: 102
From: Maryland
S 550, S65 Coupe
I just took off the interior side panel. It's held in with a bunch of clips and a few bolts. Just pop off the sill that is by the latch and then start working the plastic interior free. As you are prying it off you can start to see behind it and find the few areas that have bolts/ screws holding it on. Just take your time as you go it will become pretty self explanatory as it comes apart. Then you can easily access the top bolts to the shock. I believe there were under some foam but still easily accessible once the interior piece is out of the way.
Last edited by Jim Ma; Oct 5, 2017 at 07:47 AM.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 78
Likes: 15
From: New Orleans, LA
2013 GL550 and 2015 GL63 AMG
I just took off the interior side panel. It's held in with a bunch of clips and a few bolts. Just pop off the sill that is by the latch and then start working the plastic interior free. As you are prying it off you can start to see behind it and find the few areas that have bolts/ screws holding it on. Just take your time as you go it will become pretty self explanatory as it comes apart. Then you can easily access the top bolts to the shock. I believe there were under some foam but still easily accessible once the interior piece is out of the way.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 78
Likes: 15
From: New Orleans, LA
2013 GL550 and 2015 GL63 AMG
I found some replacement shocks for ADS and Airmatic equipped GL series Mercs. They're from a company called Aerosus, and they currently list a pair of ADS rear shocks for $391 USD after their 10% discount is applied. Of course this sounds too good to be true, but I'm wondering if anyone has experience with Aerosus products. My intention was to go with an Arnott shock, but their website doesn't have the specific ones for my body style (166.873) ADS equipped GL. Any suggestions on reliable aftermarket shocks that aren't crazy expensive?
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 78
Likes: 15
From: New Orleans, LA
2013 GL550 and 2015 GL63 AMG
I found some replacement shocks for ADS and Airmatic equipped GL series Mercs. They're from a company called Aerosus, and they currently list a pair of ADS rear shocks for $391 USD after their 10% discount is applied. Of course this sounds too good to be true, but I'm wondering if anyone has experience with Aerosus products. My intention was to go with an Arnott shock, but their website doesn't have the specific ones for my body style (166.873) ADS equipped GL. Any suggestions on reliable aftermarket shocks that aren't crazy expensive?
Last edited by NolaGL550; Nov 3, 2017 at 01:11 PM.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 78
Likes: 15
From: New Orleans, LA
2013 GL550 and 2015 GL63 AMG
I was able to get time yesterday to finally install the new rear shocks in my GL. I'll post the full write up on its own thread here in the X166 forum. Overall, it was relatively easy with just a lot of tedious disassembly of the interior panels in the rear area, as well as removing some modules and brackets to access the top bolts of the shocks. After test driving the GL following the new shock install, it rode much smoother and took large bumps and ruts without the previous side to side hop that it had with the old worn and leaking rear shocks. Highly recommend trying this repair yourself if you have any previous experience with automotive repair.
Last edited by NolaGL550; Nov 3, 2017 at 01:10 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 506
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GL350 Bluetec and GLS580
Guess I should have read this first. So you reused the airbag?
I was able to get time yesterday to finally install the new rear shocks in my GL. I'll post the full write up on its own thread here in the X166 forum. Overall, it was relatively easy with just a lot of tedious disassembly of the interior panels in the rear area, as well as removing some modules and brackets to access the top bolts of the shocks. After test driving the GL following the new shock install, it rode much smoother and took large bumps and ruts without the previous side to side hop that it had with the old worn and leaking rear shocks. Highly recommend trying this repair yourself if you have any previous experience with automotive repair.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 78
Likes: 15
From: New Orleans, LA
2013 GL550 and 2015 GL63 AMG
Yes, I reused both rear airbags since I tested them and neither was leaking. If you replace the rear shocks and want to replace the rear airbags as well, I'd suggest Arnott Industries. They have a great reputation, manufacture quality products, and have costs much lower than genuine Mercedes parts.
