I've been searching the archives for this procedure but haven't found any good info. Does anyone know how to replace the little front shock absorber on the 300D 2.5? I'd like to know if I must remove the pulley and fan shroud to get at the lower shock bolt or if it can be removed with an open end wrench.

Any tutorials on this replacement?

I'm going to answer my own questions for the record.
The answer is YES! You can change the engine shock and even the spring without removing the radiator or fan. Once you loosen the belt tensioner spring and the top bolt for the shock simply loosen the bottom shock bolt, slide it out as far as it will go and then the bottom shock mount will be able to swivel up and thus allow access to pull the bolt out the rest of the way.
It will make sense when you do it.

Can someone PLEASE post a link where I can order this shock, I can not seem to find it anywhere.

Thanks!

I just bought one on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=013&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&viewitem=&item=230159732443&rd=1

I looked it up, the part number for my 606 and 603 was the same. I bet it will fit your car too. Price was right as well. Try searching belt tensioner.

__________________

Muleears
'07 E320 Bluetec 133K my DD
'04 Jaguar XJ8 VDP, 34K
'10 Hyundai Accent 60K Grocery Getter
'02 VW Golf soon to be on the road again
'97 E300 Diesel Son's DD
'61 VERY tolerant wife

Hampton Roads, VA USA

Gone but not forgotten:
'67 250S 95K
'86 300SDL
'87 300D Turbo, 364K! R.I.P.
'98 E300 Turbodiesel, 213K
'02 S420, 164K
'01 Prius 138K