2000 ML430 Front + Rear Shocks, BROKEN REAR SPRING, OEM Rear Springs Needed!!!
 

Hello everywhere! I have read through the forum and most people have stated that the replacement of front and rear shocks are pretty easy, especially the fronts...

Well, I spend the whole day doing it and only got the fronts done... Let me know those who are thinking about it some tips or warning...

I started with the rear shocks first... the top 3 nuts were in tight spots... you have to take out the spare tire and go from underneath, but luckily the nuts weren't rusted... took about 20 minutes to take off.... the bottom shock nut came off easy... you have to take off the 2 bolts holding the lower control arm... after taking these 2 bolts off, the shocks will become free! I took both off thinking about taking it to muffler shop to have them compress it for me... but it turned out one of the SPRING IS BROKEN!!! So I put everything back together and have to order new springs :(

As for the fronts... it wasn't that easy... the bottom bolt was tight, really tight... the top nut was worst... it's in a recessed place, and all rusted!!! I tried impacting the nut off, but no luck... so what I did was use a hacksaw and basically saw the nut off... splitting the nut right in the middle... took about 1 hour just for this top nut on both sides... After that, everything was ok...

I bought Bilstein shocks for fronts and backs... finished the front today... but need to get springs for the rear :(

Anyone know where I can get OEM springs? I called the dealer and they said ONE REAR SPRING COSTS $485.50??? I just couldn't believe the price!!! Outrageous....

I know Eibachs are like $200 but lowers 1.4"... I want to stay with the factory springs if possible, coz I don't want to adjust the front...

If you know where I can get 1 OEM spring cheap... or even a set... let me know :)

There's a guy on eBay selling complete struts - shocks and springs already assembled. Like $300 for the pair.

Look at the sticky post on this site from Phil. You can get 2 new complete assemblies for ~$300. From what I have read, you should only replace these in pairs.

You should only ever replace any shocks or springs in pairs. I got complete rear struts for $47.03--see this thread for details.

In my case the springs are still good but the shocks squeak...

Thanks for all your help, but I already bought the front and rear Bilstein shocks... they don't come with any springs... and one of the rear spring is BROKEN... kinda unbelievable to me... I've worked on many cars, and this is the first time I've ever seen broken coil spring due to regular use... I wonder how that could happen...

Anyhow, I am look for the rear springs only... If anyone has any, let me know... or know where I can get them cheap... let me know, thanks :)

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Even though I only changed the fronts shocks to Bilstein... the handling now is AMAZING!!! My 2000 ML430 has 109,000miles on it... and the front Bilsteins made HUGE improvement :) I highly recommend the Bilsteins... it's a good $500 investment!!! I will post the driving impression again after I replace the rear shocks!!! Stay tune...

It happens, though I've never seen it on a Mercedes....
Metal fatigue.

Very interesting article on metal fatigue... I am inclined to think it might be a manufacturing defect... maybe there was a hair line crack in there or something... anyhow, I need to replace it... :(

By the way... anyone knows how to adjust the front suspension height? Where are the 2 bolts to adjust the torsion spring? If I loosen the bolt counter-clockwise too much, what would happen? Any help?

Coz I think I am going with Eibach Springs, $200 shipped, seem to be pretty cheap(but lowers rear 1.4")... OEM springs are like $300 shipped...

Boy, 1.4" seems like a lot to drop an AWD SUV. I'll lower my GTI this summer, but the ML stays stock.

Anyways, to adjust the ride height in the front you just crank on the bolts at the rear of the torsion bars. The attachment may be helpful, a little.

broken spring
 

Very unusual to break a spring. I have the two I took off my 98 ML320, all Arizona driven and no rust. If you want one or both you can have them for the cost of shipping. They were on the Arvin OEM shocks and were thoroughly tested for about 135,000 miles.

Jim in Phoenix