Making the Mercedes shock absorber tool - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

dmorrison · #1 03-29-2003, 10:56 PM

Well I just rebuilt the front suspesion on the 82 300TD and replaced the shocks on the 88 560SL. The top of the shock absorber can be a real pain. Mercedes shows a particular tool item # 107 589 00 09 00 for this job. It would be nice to have but we know how proud Mercedes is with their tools. SOOOO lets build one.
I went to the hardware store, actually Lowes, and purchased a plumbers tool. The size was 21/32. Then I bought some 1/2 inch square steel stock. With 1/16th inch walls.
The plumbers tool, you may have to file the inside of the "socket" to get it to fit the 17 MM nut on the top of the shock absorber.
Cut the steel stock about 8-10 inches long. Then, now this is the precision part, hit the end of the stock with a hammer so that it closes the opening so that it will fit over the end of the shock. This will hold the shaft still while you turn the nut. You may have to grind it to get it to fit into the socket tool.
I chose to weld a T onto the other end of the steel stock. You place the steel "T" tool inside the socket assembly and can hold the "T" as you rotate the socket with a wrench. Or you can weld a couple of pieces of the steel stock on the socket assembly to create a double T.

Attached is the original Mercedes tool from the 123 Service Manual. The next 2 posts will show the tool I made.

I found the working on the 300TD was pretty easy. The 560SL was a bear. I had to remove the radiator expansion tank on the right side and move the A/C hose on the left side. Having this tool would have been helpful.

Of course now I have new shocks on both cars and probably won't need the tool for 5-10 years.

Dave