Anyone know how to get to the top housing of the strut. Took the trunk lining out but don't see the strut
MBWorld Fanatic!
I believe the rear strut tops are accessed through removal of the panels that cover the inside c-pillars (the ones by the rear headrests).
I thought so! Im goin to get to the job and a sec. Will post pics later!
Senior Member
did you take the rear trunk side liner off? there is no access to the top of the airmatic strut from the rear seats.
Not good with uploading but ill try my best!
Sorry I took so long, vendor shipped wrong side strut to me so I had to return and receive a new one..took about a week and a half anyway good news, I have the new strut installed and working. After upsettingly removing the trunk lining thinking the housing was there, I had help to find where it was hiding. Like said above, its in the rear pillars, in the speaker row. Right behind the rear headrest to the left or right (depending on what side your on) you will see the airbag label for the rear along the pillar, I removed that carefully, with the POS battery cable disconnected. Next I removed the rear speaker cover up top on the deck right behind the rear headrest. Next , you will see the foam in which is covering the housing and airline. I removed the foam and also the screws in which holds the housing up top.
Now that the 3 screws are removed from the top, its time to start working from the outside.
I jacked the vehicle up and removed the tire...obviously!
With the vehicle raised I had to disconnected the entire rear suspension which included all of the control arms .
With the knuckle hanging, I was able to removed the strut using force. A hydraulic jack was needed to pressurize the strut as it was completely erect because of the suspension being disconnected.
Next you will see a pic of the strut hanging out ..It was removed! Now remember the airline is still attached. Being VERYYY careful not to damage the line, us a 10mm Wrench to removed the nut also making sure you get nothing inside the new pump or open airline.
Now the strut should be completely out! jus reverse to install using a little extra force to install the strut in its correct location
After install, car should still be on the ground! reconnect battery cables, start car, and wait for message to appear "Please Wait Vehicle Rising" after you see this get out and watch the car lift! (I also had to install new compressor as the wiring burnt the old pump and connector!)
Sorry I took so long, vendor shipped wrong side strut to me so I had to return and receive a new one..took about a week and a half anyway good news, I have the new strut installed and working. After upsettingly removing the trunk lining thinking the housing was there, I had help to find where it was hiding. Like said above, its in the rear pillars, in the speaker row. Right behind the rear headrest to the left or right (depending on what side your on) you will see the airbag label for the rear along the pillar, I removed that carefully, with the POS battery cable disconnected. Next I removed the rear speaker cover up top on the deck right behind the rear headrest. Next , you will see the foam in which is covering the housing and airline. I removed the foam and also the screws in which holds the housing up top.
Now that the 3 screws are removed from the top, its time to start working from the outside.
I jacked the vehicle up and removed the tire...obviously!
With the vehicle raised I had to disconnected the entire rear suspension which included all of the control arms .
With the knuckle hanging, I was able to removed the strut using force. A hydraulic jack was needed to pressurize the strut as it was completely erect because of the suspension being disconnected.
Next you will see a pic of the strut hanging out ..It was removed! Now remember the airline is still attached. Being VERYYY careful not to damage the line, us a 10mm Wrench to removed the nut also making sure you get nothing inside the new pump or open airline.
Now the strut should be completely out! jus reverse to install using a little extra force to install the strut in its correct location
After install, car should still be on the ground! reconnect battery cables, start car, and wait for message to appear "Please Wait Vehicle Rising" after you see this get out and watch the car lift! (I also had to install new compressor as the wiring burnt the old pump and connector!)
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