Page 2553 of 4133

Front axle torsion strut
Wheel location, hub
REPLACE FRONT BEARING OF LOWER WISHBONE - AR33.20-P-0526GH
MODEL 163.113 /128 /136 /154 /157 /172 /174 /175
3.1
Remove linkage rod for suspension-
control module (95b) from lower
right control arm
Vehicles with xenon headlamps.
4Detach torsion bar (28) from lower
control arm *BA32.20-P-
1002-02G
5Detach lower control arm (4) from
front subframe
Installation: Tighten new nuts slightly.
Tighten bolt fully only when vehicle is on
its wheels and ready to drive.
*BA33.20-P-
1004-01D
6
Loosen clamped joint at rear of
lower wishbone (4) and fold down
bearing shell (4d)
Installation: Tighten new nuts slightly.
Tighten bolt fully only when vehicle is on
its wheels and ready to drive.
*BA33.20-P-
1005-01D
Inspect
7Inspect lower control arm for signs
of distortion and corrosion
8Install in the reverse order
9Perform chassis alignment check AR40.20-P-
0200GH
NumberDesignationModel Series 163
BA32.20-P-1002-02GBolt, torsion bar to wishboneNM68
NumberDesignationModel Series 163
BA33.20-P-1004-01DBolt, lower wishbone at front to front axle carrierNM135
BA33.20-P-1005-01DBolt, lower wishbone at rear to front axle carrierNM30
2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320
1998-2005 DRIVELINE/AXLES Front Axle - 163 Chassis
me
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:38:22 PMPage 34 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
Page 2554 of 4133

Fig. 54: Identifying Lower Wishbone Front Bearing Replacement For Rubber Bushing
Fig. 55: Identifying Extraction And Insertion Tool (163 589 00 43 00)
Repair materials
REMOVING AND INSTALLING STEERING KNUCKLE - AR33.25-P-0400GH
MODEL 163.113 /128 /136 /154 /157 /172 /174 /175
Remove
1Remove lower control arm AR33.20-P-
0510GH
2Use thrust fitting (012n) to press rubber bushing (4k)
from lower control arm Extraction and
insertion toolFig. 55
Install
3
Place rubber bushing (4k) in tapered sleeve (012p) and
use thrust fitting (012n) to press it into the center of the
lower control arm Coat rubber mount
with liquid lubricant.*BR00.45-Z-
1010-06A
Extraction and
insertion toolFig. 55
4Install lower control arm AR33.20-P-
0510GH
NumberDesignationOrder number
BR00.45-Z-1010-06AAntifriction agentA 000 989 03 67
2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320
1998-2005 DRIVELINE/AXLES Front Axle - 163 Chassis
me
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:38:22 PMPage 35 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
Page 2555 of 4133

Shown on vehicle with floating caliper
Fig. 56: Identifying Steering Knuckle Components
Remove/Install
Notes on self-locking nuts
and boltsAll modelsAH00.00-N-
0001-01A
1Remove front wheels
Remove/install wheels,
rotate if necessaryAP40.10-P-
4050GH
2Detach collar nut (65a)
from front axle shaft Installation: Replace collar nut (65a)
*BA33.30-P-
1001-02B
3
Unclip cables for speed
sensor and brake lining
wear indicator from guides
Installation: Pay attention to correct line routing.
4Remove brake disc
Model 163.113 up to VIN A289564, X754619,
model 163.154 up to VIN A289564, 163.136,
models 163.154 /157 with USA version, code 494aAR42.10-P-
0220GH
Model 163.113 as of VIN A289565, X754620,
model 163.154 as of FIN A289565,
163.128 /172 /174 /175, models 163.154 /157 except
USA version, code 494a
AR42.10-P-
0220GI
2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320
1998-2005 DRIVELINE/AXLES Front Axle - 163 Chassis
me
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:38:22 PMPage 36 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
Page 2556 of 4133

Wheel location, hub
5
Remove rpm sensor with
bracket from steering
knuckle
AR42.30-P-
0712GH
6Detach tie rod (10) from
steering knuckle
Check rubber boot and ball joint for wear and
damage.AR46.40-P-
0200-02C
*BA46.40-P-
1001-01C
Thrust pieceFig. 16
PullerFig. 58
7
Press out follower joint
from upper transverse
control arm (6) using puller
Check rubber boot and ball joint for wear and
damage.AR33.20-P-
0500-01GH
*BA33.20-P-
1001-01D
Thrust pieceFig. 45
SupportFig. 46
PressFig. 47
8Press front axle shaft out of
front axle shaft flange AR33.30-P-
0620-04GH
Extraction and insertion toolFig. 18
9Press supporting joint off
lower wishbone
Secure steering knuckle to prevent it from falling
down, in order to rule out damage to the steering
knuckle
Check rubber boot and ball joint for wear and
damage.
AR33.20-P-
0440-02GH
*BA33.20-P-
1002-01D
Thrust pieceFig. 16
10Remove steering knuckle
(5) forwards
Check
11Check supporting joint
Inspect front axle joint for
play, inspect rubber bootsAP33.20-P-
3353GH
12Install in the reverse order
13.1Perform chassis alignment
check After installation of new parts.AR40.20-P-
0200GH
NumberDesignationModel 163
BA33.20-P-1001-01DSelf-locking nut, upper wishbone follower joint to steering knuckleNm50
BA33.20-P-1002-01DSelf-locking nut, supporting joint to steering knuckleNm85
2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320
1998-2005 DRIVELINE/AXLES Front Axle - 163 Chassis
me
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:38:22 PMPage 37 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
Page 2557 of 4133
Front axle shaft
Track rod
Fig. 57: Identifying Thrust Piece (140 589 00 63 00)
Fig. 58: Identifying Puller (202 589 02 33 00)
Fig. 59: Identifying Thrust Piece (129 589 10 63 00)
NumberDesignationModel 163
BA33.30-P-1001-02BNut, front axle shaft to front axle shaft flangeNm490
NumberDesignationModel 163
BA46.40-P-1001-01CSelf-locking nut, tie rod to steering knuckleNm55
2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320
1998-2005 DRIVELINE/AXLES Front Axle - 163 Chassis
me
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:38:22 PMPage 38 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
Page 2558 of 4133
Fig. 60: Identifying Support (163 589 01 43 00)
Fig. 61: Identifying Press (163 589 03 43 00)
Fig. 62: Identifying Extraction A nd Installation Tool (210 589 03 43 00)
CHECKING FRICTION TORQUE OF TAPE RED ROLLER BEARINGS - AR33.30-P-0470-04GH
Fig. 63: Identifying Connection Piece (100 589 02 59 00)
2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320
1998-2005 DRIVELINE/AXLES Front Axle - 163 Chassis
me
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:38:22 PMPage 39 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
Page 2559 of 4133
Fig. 64: Identifying Torque Meter (001 589 49 21 00)
Commercially available tools
1. Measure and note friction torque using torque meter (040b) and connecting piece on the hexagon collared
nut.
Fig. 65: Identifying Torque Meter
CHECK FRONT AXLE GEAR OIL LEVEL AND TOP UP IF NECESSARY - AR33.30-P-0525-02GH
Modification notes
Front final-drive unit
Front axle gear
NumberDesignation
WH58.30-Z-1013-06AWrench bit 41 mm hexagon 3/4 inch four-point
8.1.07Filling capacity, Specifications for Operating FluidsModel 163*BF33.30-P-1001-03B
NumberDesignationModel 163
BA33.30-P-1002-03BOil filler screw, front axle gearNm50
BA33.30-P-1003-03BOil drain screw, front axle gearNm50
NumberDesignationModel 163
BF33.30-P-1001-
03BFilling capacityFront axle gearLiters1.2
Specifications for SheetBB00.40-P-0235-
2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320
1998-2005 DRIVELINE/AXLES Front Axle - 163 Chassis
me
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:38:22 PMPage 40 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
Page 2560 of 4133
1. Clean area around oil fi ller screw (14f).
2. Remove oil filler screw (14f).
The front axle gear is correctly filled when the oil reaches the lower edge of the filler opening. Top up
if necessary. If the oil level check is car ried out when the front axle gear is warm , do not drain off oil
discharged as a result of thermal expansion.
Fig. 66: Identifying Oil Filler Screw
3. Replace seal ring for oil filler screw.
4. Screw in oil filler screw and tighten.
Fig. 67: Identifying Oil Drain Screw
REMOVE/INSTALL FRONT AX LE GEAR - AR33.30-P-0525GH
MODEL 163.113 /128 /136 /154 /157 /172 /174 /175
Operating Fluids07B
2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320
1998-2005 DRIVELINE/AXLES Front Axle - 163 Chassis
me
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:38:22 PMPage 41 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.