Rear Suspension Refresh
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 636
From: Iowa
2008 CL550, 2022 EQB 300, 2023 EQS 450 4Matic
Rear Suspension Refresh
There has been much discussion on the forum regarding refreshing front suspension components. I get it that that the front components take a lot of weight and abuse. I've replaced most of those parts, and am now thinking on doing the rear. I'm guessing the rear has lower failure rates, which is why it does not get a lot of attention. But, I'm slowly but surely rebuilding my car to be as close to new as possible, and I've found doing the front suspension was a huge win in terms of the car being tight and quiet and greatly reducing steering wheel shaking at 60mph+. The rears may not be actively misbehaving, but 15 years of heat/cool cycles are road abuse can't have helped the rubber bushings, and the parts aren't that expensive.
Does anyone have advice before I jump into this next project?
Does anyone have advice before I jump into this next project?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 5,317
Likes: 1,673
S500
the rear is the normal one to fail as reaching the rear sensor is so difficult - the struts wear much the same - might be incidents cause some to get more issues on the front end ?
we need someone to try real springs and feedback how much better the car becomes
we need someone to try real springs and feedback how much better the car becomes
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 44
Likes: 21
From: UK
S 350 Petrol
You have to drop the rear subframe to do the rear suspension arms - measure their positions before dismantling as you cannot tighten the bolts once the car is back at ride height. While it's off you can replace the subframe bushes (I made all the tools needed but I think they are available to buy over there). Replace all the steel brake pipes while you're at it and deal with any rust on the poorly painted under-body. Double-check the petrol tank for rust. I replaced the diff output seals while it was out as well. Replace the ride height sensor bracket that's fastened to the anti-roll bar. Replace the ABS reluctor rings on the outer CV joints - they corrode to nothing. Did I mention the rust!! 
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 636
From: Iowa
2008 CL550, 2022 EQB 300, 2023 EQS 450 4Matic
Yikes, I bought all of the control arm sets and stabilizer links. Sounds like I should consider adding more parts, while I'm at it. This sounds like a more daunting job than I anticipated...sounds tougher than doing the front.
