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Test values for shock absorber
Test values for shock absorber
REMOVE/INSTALL SHOCK ABSORBER ON SPRING STRUT - AR32.25-P-0200-07GH
Use only approved tensioning devices; additionally shield off hazardous area if necessary.
Check special tools for damage and correct operation, (visual inspection). Wear protective gloves.
Rear axle shock absorber
Fig. 19: Identifying Tensioning Device (203 589 01 31 00)
02A(shock absorber
when new)
BE32.25-P-1002-
02AOil reserve check
(shock absorber
when used)mm< or =20< or =20< or =20
NumberDesignationModel 208Model 210Model 211
BE32.25-P-1001-
02AOil reserve check
(shock absorber
when new)mm0+20+20+2
BE32.25-P-1002-
02AOil reserve check
(shock absorber
when used)mm< or =20< or =20< or =20
NumberDesignationModel 230
BE32.25-P-1001-02AOil reserve check (shock
absorber when new)mm0+2
BE32.25-P-1002-02AOil reserve check (shock
absorber when used)mm< or =20
NumberDesignationModel Series 163
BA32.25-P-1003-03DSelf-locking nut, shock
absorber to rear springNM30
2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320
1998-2005 SUSPENSION Suspension - 163 Chassis
me
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:37:36 PMPage 21 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
Page 3930 of 4133
Fig. 20: Identifying Tensioning Plates (163 589 00 63 00)
1. Pre-equip tensioning device.
Insert tensioning plates (01a) into tensioner (01) until they engage. Press pins (arrows) to remove the
clamping plates.
2. Pre-adjust tensioning device to approx. 130 mm (a). This makes it easier to insert the rear spring
Fig. 21: Identifying Tensioning Plates And Pins
3. Clamp tensioning device (01) horizontal in vise.
4. Insert rear spring (73) in the clamping plates (01) so that the end of the winding of the rear spring is
roughly parallel with the upper edge of the clamping plates (arrows).
Insert rear spring from the 5th to the 11th rear spring winding (counted from the side with the larger
winding diameter in the clamping plates (6 to 7 windings must be clamped).
2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320
1998-2005 SUSPENSION Suspension - 163 Chassis
me
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:37:36 PMPage 22 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
Page 3931 of 4133
Fig. 22: Clamping Tensioning Device Horizontal In Vise
5. 73Rotate rear spring (73)by approx. a quarter of a revolution (counterclockwise) so that the end of the
rear spring winding is located approximately in the center of the clamping plate (arrow a).
6. Check whether the lugs of the clamping plates are located above the rear spring windings (arrow b), if
necessary correct the position of the rear spring.
7. Mark the position of the rear spring (73) relative to the support bearing (73d) and rear spring guide (73h)
(arrow c).
Installation: When the rear spring is relieved of load the markings applied must align.
Fig. 23: Identifying Tensioning Device Horizontal In Vise
2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320
1998-2005 SUSPENSION Suspension - 163 Chassis
me
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:37:36 PMPage 23 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
Page 3932 of 4133
When replacing the rear spring, support bearing or rear spring guide, the markings from the old
components must be taken over.
8. Compress rear spring.
9. Unscrew nut (73a) of the upper shock absorber mounting, counterholding the piston rod in the process.
10. Remove plate (73b), upper rubber mount (73c), support bearing (73d) and spring guide (73h)
Installation: Pay attention to correct position of components.
11. Pull out shock absorber and remove lower rubber mount (75c), sleeve (75y), plate (75g) and protective
sleeve (75f).
Installation: Pay attention to correct position of components.
12. Install in reverse sequence.
Fig. 24: Identifying Plate, Upper Rubber Mount, Support Bearing And Spring Guide
REMOVE/INSTALL REAR SPRING STRUT - AR32.25-P-1016GH
MODEL 163.113 /128 /136 /154 /157 /172 /174 /175
2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320
1998-2005 SUSPENSION Suspension - 163 Chassis
me
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:37:36 PMPage 24 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
Page 3933 of 4133
Fig. 25: Identifying Rear Spring Strut Components
Remove/Install
Notes on self-locking nuts
and boltsAll modelsAH00.00-N-0001-01A
1Remove rear wheels
Remove/install wheels,
rotate if necessary AP40.10-P-4050GH
2.1Remove spare wheel Except with spare
wheel holder/spare wheel,
code 849 and model
163.174 (vehicle with
auxiliary fuel tank).
3.1Remove spare wheel
holder Except with spare
wheel holder/spare wheel,
code 849 and model
163.174 (vehicle with
auxiliary fuel tank).
Pull out locking pin.
Remove spare wheel
bracket from side rail.
4.1Remove wheel housing
lining On model 163.174
(vehicle with auxiliary
fuel tank).
5Pull off cover (75p) Installation: Pay
attention to correct
2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320
1998-2005 SUSPENSION Suspension - 163 Chassis
me
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:37:36 PMPage 25 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
Page 3934 of 4133

Rear axle torsion strut
seating.
6Remove nuts (75a) from
top spring strut mounting
on frame side member *BA32.25-P-1002-03D
7Detach nut (75u) from
lower suspension strut
mounting to lower
transverse control arm (67) Counterhold threaded
rod.
*BA32.25-P-1001-03D
Lethal injuries are
possible if vehicle slips off
of lifting platformAlign vehicle between the
columns of the lifting
platform and position the
four support plates at the
lifting platform support
points specified by the
vehicle manufacturer.AS00.00-Z-0010-01A
8Support lower transverse
control arm (67)
9Remove link rod (78f)
between lower transverse
control arm (67) and
torsion bar (77) *BA32.20-P-1001-04F
10Detach lower transverse
control arm (67) from rear
axle carrier Installation: The rear
axle shaft must be
horizontal when
tightening the bolts (67b).
*BA35.20-P-1003-07A
11Lower the lower transverse
control arm (67) carefully,
pull out of guide and swing
downwards
12Press the suspension strut
upwards out of the
transverse control arm (67)
and remove In the event of
stiffness, if necessary
hammer the shock
absorber (75) carefully out
of the lower transverse
control arm (67) using a
plastic-headed mallet.
13Install in the reverse order
Inspect
14Check and correct
headlamp adjustment
Check and correct
headlamp adjustment AP82.10-P-8260GH
NumberDesignationModel Series 163
2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320
1998-2005 SUSPENSION Suspension - 163 Chassis
me
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Page 3935 of 4133

Rear axle shock absorber
Wheel location
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
INSTALLING PINCH NUT ON REAR STABILIZER BAR CONNECTING ROD BOLT - SM32.35-P-0001A
MODEL 163.154 #A as of 000001 up to 014254
Vehicles within the Effective Serial Number Range, must have the following work performed during next
scheduled maintenance or service. Install pinch nut to ensure proper tightening torque of rear stabilizer bar
mounting.
Damage code for warranty/goodwill claim: 32 920 07
Fig. 26: Identifying Rear Stabilizer Bar And Pinch Nut
BA32.20-P-1001-04FNut, link rod to torsion
barNm28
NumberDesignationModel Series 163
BA32.25-P-1001-03DSelf-locking nut, shock
absorber to lower
wishboneNM85
BA32.25-P-1002-03DSelf-locking nut, shock
absorber to frame side
memberNM20
NumberDesignationModel Series 163
BA35.20-P-1003-07ASelf-locking nut of lower
wishbone to rear axle
carrierNM135
Installation
1Retorque nut (1) on rear stabilizer bar connecting rod bolt*BA32.20-P-1001-04F
2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320
1998-2005 SUSPENSION Suspension - 163 Chassis
me
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:37:36 PMPage 27 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
Page 3936 of 4133
Rear axle torsion bar
Parts ordering notes
2Install pinch nut (2) on top of previously torqued connecting rod bolt nut
3Counterhold connecting rod bolt nut (1) while torquing pinch nut (2)*BA32.20-P-1003-04F
4Repeat for opposite side
NumberDesignationModel 163
BA32.20-P-1001-04FNut, connecting rod to
torsion barNM28
BA32.20-P-1003-04FPinch nut, connecting rod
to torsion barNM28
Part no.DesignationQuantity
N910123 008001Pinch Nut1 per side
2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320
1998-2005 SUSPENSION Suspension - 163 Chassis
me
Saturday, October 02, 2010 3:37:36 PMPage 28 © 2006 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.