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  
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        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  
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        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  
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        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  
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        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  
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        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  
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        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.