SL/R230: How to remove the rear R230 struts easily within minutes - instructions
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 390
Likes: 114
From: Seattle, WA
SL500 & GL450
removal of bolts and arm behind the wheel hub and fighting with pry bars to lower the arm out of the hub, and to put the arm back into the hub and into the rubber bushing which seems impossible to align.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 17
Likes: 2
From: WA, USA
2003 Mercedes SL500 R230
How do I disconnect the ride height sensor arm to lower strut out?
Ive found this entire thread to be super useful! Thanks again to all of the contributors!! I am in the process of installing 4 new struts (Arnott), starting with the driver side rear. I too ran into the exhaust interference issue on my 03 SL500. Followed the posts closely, so not sure what the diff with my vehicle vs the OP.
FWIW, I ended up removing the 2 rear hangers near the rear wheels and the 2 forward most bolts of the rear diagonal supports. I then placed a 1 inch thick piece of plywood between the support and the body mount point and then used a wood clamp to pull the exhaust down snug to the diagonal. This barely gave me enough wiggle room to get that blasted bolt out - but alas, its out!!
Now I feel like the hardest part is done - but Im stuck on a small but important step. How do I disconnect the ride height sensor arm so I can lower the strut out? I tried removing the nuts but everything just spins and I dont see an interior nut to counter that. Im thinking perhaps the arm should just unsnap, but not having any luck with that either and dont want to break it if thats not the case.
Appreciate any help/input! Thanks!!
UPDATE: I ended up just removing the 2 screw that attach the sensor to the chassis and unplugging the electrical connection. Easy peasy …
FWIW, I ended up removing the 2 rear hangers near the rear wheels and the 2 forward most bolts of the rear diagonal supports. I then placed a 1 inch thick piece of plywood between the support and the body mount point and then used a wood clamp to pull the exhaust down snug to the diagonal. This barely gave me enough wiggle room to get that blasted bolt out - but alas, its out!!
Now I feel like the hardest part is done - but Im stuck on a small but important step. How do I disconnect the ride height sensor arm so I can lower the strut out? I tried removing the nuts but everything just spins and I dont see an interior nut to counter that. Im thinking perhaps the arm should just unsnap, but not having any luck with that either and dont want to break it if thats not the case.
Appreciate any help/input! Thanks!!
UPDATE: I ended up just removing the 2 screw that attach the sensor to the chassis and unplugging the electrical connection. Easy peasy …
Last edited by bdeweese; Jan 28, 2024 at 03:03 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 17
Likes: 2
From: WA, USA
2003 Mercedes SL500 R230
Ok - So I’ve lowered the rear lower control arm (from the subframe end) and successfully removed the old strut. However, the rear lower control arm end that’s still attached to the hub seems “sloppy”. The rubber bushing appears intact, but doesn’t seem like there should be that much play there? Does it feel “loose” simply because it’s hanging down on this pivot point, or is it indication of a failed bushing? The car only has 45k miles on it - but is also 20 yrs old.
I know the process of removing and reinstalling this connection point has been described as a PITA - but since I’m this deep into it, Im wondering if it’s something I should delve into? I have already removed the caliper and rotor, since I’m also doing a brake job.
Anyone have any advice on this? Thank you!!!
I know the process of removing and reinstalling this connection point has been described as a PITA - but since I’m this deep into it, Im wondering if it’s something I should delve into? I have already removed the caliper and rotor, since I’m also doing a brake job.
Anyone have any advice on this? Thank you!!!
Last edited by bdeweese; Jan 28, 2024 at 03:24 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 1,332
Likes: 365
From: Gretna, NE
'03 SL55 Black, '03 SL500's Aegean, Mars Red, Tazanite, Alabaster, '11 S550 Flint Gray
That is actually a cylindrical ball joint. It should allow some fore/aft movement, but shouldn't have any play.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 17
Likes: 2
From: WA, USA
2003 Mercedes SL500 R230
Also, the bolt has already been removed.
Last edited by bdeweese; Jan 30, 2024 at 04:26 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 26
Likes: 8
From: Toronto, Ontario
2003 sl500
At the 11 minute mark he mentions the exhaust being in the way and requiring pushed up with the jack to acquire clearance for bolt removal. Looks like I'm going to have the same issue with my 2005 SL55
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8yNSj3kOj4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8yNSj3kOj4
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 17
Likes: 2
From: WA, USA
2003 Mercedes SL500 R230
