Seeking torsion bar shim plate R&R instructions
 

Does anyone have installation instructions on the torsion bar shim plates and subsequent felt for a 2000 ML430? I could not find any on this forum or Wolfgangs, however Roadsession had a post that indicated the job required 2 shim plates (163-326-00-25) and felt (000-983-89-10). I cannot for the life of me figure out where the felt would go.

Here is the bulletin...

You need this as well

Thanks Doc. Any ideas on the felt? I'm thinking Roadsession took his ML in for service on a rattle and the service department used the felt on the hatch as a preventative measure.

As you can see that bulletin didn't come out until June 05...The plastic insert wasn't available until then.. many dealers don't read bulletins..& sometimes the techs NEVER see the bulletins!

Felt will dampen noises...that has been MB factory fix on MANY other noise related problems.

I followed the instructions but am at a loss. I cannot get the bolt out to remove the bottom half of the assembly. Each side seems to be threaded differently as well. I jacked up the front of the truck and turned the bolt to the point I thought it would come out and it just increases the height of the front end. Reverse direction just decreases the height in the front end. Is there something I'm missing or some trick to get the bolt out? Perhaps a nut that I should be securing somewhere? Help DOC, or anyone who has done this!

MB Doc, do you have the full WIS with all the part numbers? It does not show part number for the shims and rubber boot. Anybody have them handy? Thanks

The second attachment shows the plastic support as 163-323-02-20. After talking with the shop foreman at the local dealership, he was unaware the plastic support was able to be purchased seperately. They have been replacing the entire assembly (torsion bar bearing - 163-320-00-73) at $170. Order availability for the support is scarce, (197 in them in the US) so if you need them at $18 and some change, apiece, you might want to rush to order, or you'll be buying the entire assembly.