Subframe: Service and Repair

Removing and installing complete rear axle






NOTE: Numbers in parentheses ( ) indicate a component or tool in the associated illustration.

REMOVAL
- Refer to the illustration above and the information below when removing the complete rear suspension
- Remove exhaust system complete, refer to Exhaust System
- Remove rear spring, refer to Coil Spring, Suspension
- On models with without level control/ADS, remove and install rear shock absorber, refer to Shock Absorber
- On models with level control/ADS, depressurize suspension system

WARNING
^ Risk of injury to skin or eyes from pressurized hydraulic fluid spraying out.
^ Risk of poisoning from swallowing hydraulic fluid.

- On models with level control/ADS, remove and install rear spring struts

NOTE:
^ Before starting work on the hydraulic system, depressurize the system.
^ Wear protective clothing and safety glasses.

- Remove rear axle distributor connector (x62/8)
- On all models, using open end wrench tool No. 126 589 00 01 00, or equivalent, loosen the propeller shaft clamping nut(106c)
- Disconnect propeller shaft center bearing (106a), then remove the shaft (106)
- Remove the parking brake automatic slack adjuster(110b), refer to Brakes and Traction Control

WARNING:
^ Risk of poisoning due to consuming brake fluid.
^ Risk of injury due to brake fluid contacting skin and eyes

NOTE:
^ Only pour brake fluid into suitable, appropriately marked containers.
^ Wear protective clothing and safety glasses when handling brake fluid.

- Disconnect brake hoses between chassis and crossmember
- Cap and seal lines, hoses and fittings

WARNING:
^ Risk of explosion due to vapors igniting
^ Risk of poisoning from inhaling fuel vapors and swallowing fuel
^ Risk of injury due do fuel coming into contact with the skin and eyes

NOTE:
^ Fire, sparks, naked flame and smoking forbidden
^ Only pour fuels into suitable, appropriately marked containers.
^ Wear protective clothing when handling feel.

- Using clamp tool No. 000 589 40 37 00, or equivalent, pinch off then remove fuel lines from fuel tank to fuel pump
- Use protective washers tool No. 140 589 01 31 00, or equivalent, mounted to hubs to protect brake discs and shields
- Use assembly attachment tool No. 140 589 01 62 00, or equivalent, with a suitable support device to support assembly during removal
- On models with level control/ADS, remove level controller bracket (120) on rear axle carrier

INSTALLATION
- Reverse removal procedures to install, noting the following:
- Replace self-locking bolts and nuts
- Chase thread for front rear axle suspension bolt (1c) in frame floor with suitable tap
- Chase thread for rear, rear axle suspension bolt (1d) in frame floor with suitable tap
- When installing propeller shaft note the following:
a. Install propeller shaft with all fasteners hand tight
b. Tighten self-locking nut of flexible disk to rear propeller shaft or rear axle center assembly to: 60 Nm





c. Before tightening the hexagon bolts, and with no load on the rear axle, push the propeller shaft intermediate bearing from its present installed position 5 mm toward the front (arrows) and then tighten the hexagon bolts as follows:
Bolt with washers: 25 Nm
Bolt with collar and centering to: 30 Nm





d. Tighten propeller shaft clamping nut to: 30-40 Nm
- Fill and bleed brake system
- On models with level control/ADS, fill and pressurize suspension system
- Tighten the following components as noted:
- Self-locking bolt of front rubber mount, rear axle carrier to frame floor: 70 Nm
- Self lacking bolt of rear rubber mount, rear axle carrier to frame floor: 70 Nm
- Check vehicle level at rear axle
- Check and correct headlamp adjustment