Questions and Answers

Mercedes Benz SLK Shock Absorbers Q. Hi Vincent. What a great site!!!!! Can you tell me how to go about fitting back shocks to my 2000 Mercedes Benz SLK? Thanks, Fab

A. Not difficult to do. Basically it's just like replacing the shock absorbers of most other vehicles. One important thing to keep in mind is that if the lower control arm is not supported, the coil spring will pop out with enough force to do great personal damage or even death. With that in mind, here's how to do it.

Note: The vehicle must be standing on its wheels for removing the top shock absorber mounting.

1. Detach top shock absorber mounting.
2. Remove plate (75b) and rubber mount (75c).
3. Jack up vehicle.
4. On Model 129 up to 08/95: Remove rear axle switch for roll bar.
5. Remove spring link cover (72c).
6. Remove shock absorber (75) at spring link. Installation: Replace self-locking nut (75l).
7. Remove attaching parts (75k, 75d, 75f, 75i) of shock absorber (75) Check attaching parts (75d, 75f, 75i) for damage and cracks.
8. Check shock absorber.
9. Install in the reverse order Replace self-locking nuts Tighten the following components as noted:
   • Nut for attaching shock absorber to frame floor: 18 Nm
   • Lock nut for attaching shock absorber to frame floor: 30 Nm
   • Self-locking nut for attaching shock absorber to spring link: 55 Nm