Front Shock Nut? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

McRoth · #1 01-09-2003, 10:01 AM

Early this week I started hearing a weird thunking sound in my front end. I looked for it a couple of times & finally found it last night, the bolts holding the bottom part of the front drivers side shock are coming loose! I tried to tighten them down last night, but it seems like they are a strange head, my metric 6 sided sockets and the standard 12 point sockets wouldn't work on it, just slipped or didn't fit. Is this a strange bolt? I had the shocks replaced this summer & soon after that I had the lower ball joints replaced, so they must not have tightened them down enough. What do I need to tighten it down?

Thanks!

jcd · #2 01-09-2003, 10:48 AM

If I remember right, they are those funky star like sockets.

What I would do first, is take it back to whoever did the work and have them fix it.

If not, remove one and take it to the part's store to get the proper socket to tighten it.

I also remember that tightening them is a real pain, you have to cock the front wheel to one side to have good access.

Good luck.

JCD

McRoth · #3 01-09-2003, 10:54 AM

That's what I was afraid of! I guess I'll have to do that after all.

Thanks!

#4 01-09-2003, 12:54 PM

The star socket sets are not that expensive. Unless of course you buy Snap On. There are a few star bolts on these cars. Most are inside the engine.

#5 01-09-2003, 01:25 PM

They should be 12 point, 10MM bolts. I simply use a 12 point, 10MM box end. If you raise the car and turn the key so as to unlock the steering, it is very easy to turn the wheel back and forth to gain access to both the front and rear bolts.

Good luck,

#6 01-09-2003, 02:16 PM

Good plan. Thank you Larry.

BWatson · #7 01-09-2003, 05:23 PM

I agree with Larry. No special wrench, just a 10mm 12 point socket or box end wrench.

lrg · #8 01-10-2003, 12:52 AM

I'd also recommend putting a drop or two of Loctite Blue on the threads as well.