I replaced 3 of 4 shocks. The right rear special bolt at the lower mounting is spinning so the nut can’t back out. What is the best way to remove it? Also, do these have to be replaced with the shock? I used the old ones for the left rear.

With the starting torque compensation they use “special bolts” on the lower shock mount. The bolts fit in the lower A arm and the nuts go on from the bottom.

Steve
’85 500SL (Euro)

I use air tools! They will get off the most stubborn of bolts.

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Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 11 YRS

Perhaps you misunderstand. The bolt is spinning in its mount. How could an air wrench help with this? Have you ever seen this?
I think that an air wrench would just spin it faster and it has to be cut out with a torch.

Steve

The air tool Donnie referring to is the impact wrench. The pounding action of the impact wrench does the trick unless the center bolt is very free turning. You did very well getting the other 3 shocks out without an impact wrench. For me, I will have a hard time doing it without an impact.

David

Are these special bolts splined to grab the shock mount? I had one spin on the 280, I used a brake adjustment lever (looks like a mini pry bar) and jammed one end under the flat head of the bolt. Then I used the bar to put opposing pressure while turning the wrench. These were the short bolts that are pressed into the shock at the factory, not sure if yours are similar.

It was a PITA, but did the trick.

__________________
Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.

Thank you gentlemen! I appreciate your responses. As a rank amateur I do not have any impact tools (except an impact screwdriver).

I ran out of time and took it to a professional. I wish I had a chance to do the rest of the job.

Steve
'85 500SL (Euro)