axle hanging
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta
2001 S500 Base Sedan W220 without ABC
axle hanging
Hey I have had the S500 up on jack stands now for three days. I am in the process of replacing the entire front end suspension. I am simply awaiting the arrival of the "Mercedes Specific" Ball Joint press, as the rental tool does not work for "obvious to all of you guys" reasons. Any worries with having the car up on stands for days with the air strut hanging? My w220 does not have ABC. I of course will not torque the suspension components before I place the wheels back on the ground. This has been a surprisingly easy install (with the one exception of the star bolt holding on to the rotor). Any other warnings prior to buttoning up the project? Thanks!
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 432
Likes: 96
From: Just north of Detroit,Michigan
2012 E350 4Matic P2
Shouldn't be a problem with the wheels hanging. What I did to finally set the torque on the control arm bolts is to drop the front down onto ramps and let it settle then you have room to crawl under and finish the tightening. If you drop it down onto the floor, it may be hard to have access.
Good luck,
Bob
Good luck,
Bob
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,474
Likes: 439
From: Ball Ground, GA (N of Atlanta)
2003 S500 2007 GL450
You do not want to bottom the suspension - just lower it to close to, or a little below, the normal ride height. At that point, tighten all of the fasteners, then start the engine and allow the suspension to pump up. If the compressor doesn't run, then lower the car a little further below the normal ride height, but again, do not bottom the suspension.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta
2001 S500 Base Sedan W220 without ABC
One more question gentlemen. I am in the process of removing the two hex screws from the Airmatic Strut. I have read that I need to apply a torch to them to soften the Locktite before trying to remove them. The front is surrounded, nearly, by a plastic piece and a little hose. In pictures I have seen of the procedure it appears to have been removed so the torch can be applied. Do you just pry it off or is there a special tool or procedure for safely removing it? Thanks!
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 70
Likes: 2
From: Qatar
2002 S320L
Are you planning to remove the steering knuckle out? I did my left side without removing and right side with removing. I suggest you to remove so you will have free space, will help you to do it in less time.
Be careful while installing back the hex screws. You should put the screws back when you are sure that strut sits on LCA's big ball joint properly.
One ore thing, Mercy-me's wonderful post guide me, but in that post he mentioned that his alignment was not affected. Whenever I remove/install the steering knuckle(without touching any bolt), my alignment is gone, I don't know why but you should consider checking afterwards.
you can do your own alignment(mechanical).
Be careful while installing back the hex screws. You should put the screws back when you are sure that strut sits on LCA's big ball joint properly.
One ore thing, Mercy-me's wonderful post guide me, but in that post he mentioned that his alignment was not affected. Whenever I remove/install the steering knuckle(without touching any bolt), my alignment is gone, I don't know why but you should consider checking afterwards.
you can do your own alignment(mechanical).
