Front

Fig. 1 Front Suspension. 190D & E, 260E & 300CE, D, E, SL & TE, 400E & 500E:

Fig. 2 Front Suspension. 300SD, 400SE, 500SEL, 600SEL & 1992 300SE:

300CE, D, E, SD, SL & TE & 1992 300SE, EXCEPT 300E & TE w/4MATIC

The damper struts are simultaneously serving as deflection stops for the front wheels. Loosen damper strut attaching nuts and bolts only with vehicle wheels contacting floor.
1. Raise and support front of vehicle.
2. Remove front wheel(s), Figs. 1 and 2.
3. Install a suitable spring tensioner onto front spring. Place spring under tension until control arm is free of load. Insert spring tensioner plates of spring tensioner offset approximately 90° into front spring. Ensure at least seven and one-half spring coils are engaged between spring tensioner plates. Ensure webs of tensioning screw and guide sleeve are correctly seated in the two tensioning plate grooves.
4. While supporting control arm assembly, loosen upper strut attaching nuts as follows:
a. Using a suitable wrench, apply a counter-force to the piston rod.
b. Do not use an impact wrench.
c. Do not loosen nut with axle half fully unsprung.
d. Ensure to support control arm.
5. Loosen lower damper strut to steering knuckle attaching nuts. Using suitable wire, secure steering knuckle. Do not allow knuckle to hang.
6. Remove strut from vehicle.
7. Reverse procedure to install.

Fig. 5 Front Suspension:

300E & TE w/4MATIC

1. Disable airbag system, refer to Air Bags and Seat Belts/Air Bags (Supplemental Restraint Systems)/Service and Repair.
2. Raise and support vehicle, then remove front wheel assembly, Fig. 5.
3. Compress front spring assembly.
4. Remove strut upper rubber bushing attaching bolt. Do not allow piston to turn.
5. Remove brake hose bracket and brake pad wear indicator cable bracket from strut.
6. Mark alignment position of eccentric bolt on strut.
7. Using suitable wire, secure steering knuckle in upright position. Do not stretch brake hose or cable.
8. Remove strut to steering knuckle attaching bolts.
9. Push strut upward, then move outward to remove.
10. Reverse to install.