W220 Suspension
The part number printed on strut arm ball joint is A2203331060 but Google returned nothing.
Questions:
The part number in EPC are 2203305711 and 2203305811 but they don't match the current part number on my RWD car. The part number printed on the arms are 2203331305 and 2203331405. Is there a newer part number for just the ball joint?
The rubber on the strut ball joints look Ok visually. Are there other causes that could be the reason for the arms to rub?
Can I avoid alignment works with just strut arms replacement? If I have to do alignment then I would go ahead and replace all ball joints at the same time.
Often the rubbers will go when a ball joint fails which gives you a good indication. Otherwise you need to get under there and have a good look and see if you can get play in any of your joints. Lots of good threads on this.
Good luck
I didn't pay much attention to #47 but I will take another look.
Torque spec for #18b is 50 and #18c is 80.
The strut arms installation procedure didn't mention any alignment needs...
Trending Topics
A couple of points I noted when I did mine were;
- Torque the nut, not the bolt
- The instructions I followed had an initial torque setting (quite low) and then tightening to a degree setting - grab the kids plastic protractor to remind you of angles...
- Tighten when the suspension is loaded - this is important.
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Beside "I can't ride 75" any adjustments to the suspension that can be made to get rid of the phenomenon? I also contacted Strutmaster but no responses yet.
What's the effect of no Loctite and not torqued to spec?
Use you allen to hold the ball joint bolt as your photo shows while you use an open end wrench to tighten the nut on. Once the ball joint snugs down it should stop turning and you can finalize the torque to spec. I have been told not to use locktite on ball joints only on the bushing bolt.
On the strut arms job, I watched many videos and read many blogs but it still took me about 4hr for the 1st side and 1hr for the 2nd site. The small details in each step wasn't mentioned anywhere and those got me.
I replaced both strut arms but the knocking sounds are still there. Much less but still there. Any other idea? Perhaps from the back?
thanks
thanks
thanks
Tool needed are ball joint remover and 21mm.
1. Apply PB penetrating.
2. Loosen but don't remove #18b nut.
3. Hammer the ball joint remover to get it in place. Tighten screw to push the ball joint out. The action is quite violent. Remove #18b nut.
4. Remove 3 screws on the bottom of the protective plastic panel with 8mm
5. Remove 6 plastic nuts and 1 bottom screw with 10mm. No need to completely remove the panel.
6. Remove #18c nut with 21mm.
7. Remove #18a bolt with 21mm.
8. Pry off strut arm.
1. Start with the ball joint end. Insert #18b nut but don't torque.
2. Turn the wheel to get strut arm into a good position. Hammer the arm with wood block or rubber mallet if necessary.
3. Insert #18c nut and #18a bolt.
4. Tighten #18b nut. Use 5mm Allen Wrench to assist.
5. Insert three 8mm screws, six 10mm plastic nuts and one 10mm corner screw to hold protective plastic piece back in place.
9. Place car into a loaded position and torque #18c nut to spec 80Nm, #18b nut to spec 50Nm.


