I have a 2001 ML 320. I had the front shocks replaced with Monroe Reflex shocks. The other night I heard a clunking coming from the front. It turns out the bolt on the bottom of the shock broke and the shock was rubbing against the wheel. This was on the front passenger side.

I took the vehicle into the service shop and told them what happened. They checked the drivers side and when pulling on the shock, it came off. The bolt on that one broke in half as well. From looking at the bolt it looks like it was smooshed.

Has anyone heard of this happening before? I double checked to make sure I had the right shocks on. I ordered new bolts from the dealer and will have them replaced this week. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

make sure the vehicle is one the ground with 4 wheels before they tighten the bolts to spec. If they tighten the bolts then lower the vehicle to the ground, the bolts will be under stress, and break.

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98 ML320 (gone but not forgotten)

The reflex shocks do not come with a grommet to fit into the half-round indentation in the lower shock mounting point. If you look at the old original shock you will see a half-round protrusion which is integral to the lower eyelet at the bottom of the shock. The OEM replacement picture on Rusty's parts site shows what seems to be the same kind of separate metal grommet which comes with the Bilstein front replacement shocks. Look up part #163-326-11-00. This is the M-B OEM part. I used the Bilstein replacement shocks instead and have not broken the mounting bolts but twice the bolts worked themselves out far enough for the washer between the bolt end and the shock eyelet to rattle a little. The WIS does indicate that the bolts should be tightened with vehicle sitting on the ground, although it doesn't state why.

I am wondering if you used the original bolts or did they come with the Monroe units? Also, I am thinking of trying the Monroe shocks in my 2004 ML350 - how do you like them?

Brian:

Im not sure if I like the shocks or not. Im assuming the bolts broke shortly after they were installed. Its always ridden like a lumber wagon. I also replaced the back shocks with Blistiens or however you spell it. It still rides a bit rough.

Im thinking they tightened the bolts to tight or didnt do it while the vehicle was on the ground. I dont know if the Monroes came with the bolts or not. I had to order new ones from the dealership.

Thanks for all your advice guys! I appreciate it!