A wasted day in the garage
 

Had a few hours to kill today, so I figured I'd do the front sway bar links and bushings on my diesel 210 chassis. Took the wheel off and went to attack the bolt. Found out that I needed a torx/star bit/socket and mine weren't big enough. The biggest one I have is a T-40. Anyone know the proper size for this job? I suspect that I may end up just buying a bigger set of them, but if I happen to find singles, I may just get that.

Okay, all isn't lost. I figured I could change the engine shock since I had the new one in hand. Undid the upper fastener and released the belt tensioner. I then unscrewed the bottom shock fastener and eventually got it to go over top of the pulley. But I couldn't get it out quite far enough to release the old shock. Tried everything I could think of, but no luck. The problem seemed to be the washer wouldn't move down the threads far enough to give me the extra millimeter I needed. So I buttoned it all back up and that was the end of my garage day. I know that some of you have said that you've been able to change the shock with everything in place. What's the secret? Fortuneately my old shock seemed to still be pretty strong, so I don't think it's a critical issue.

Thanks.

Len
'99 E300TD 100,000 miles

The bitt for the lower front link is a T45.

Try tightening the tensioner shock bolt back up and see if 1mm sticks out the end of the tensioner bracket, if it does, file it off.

i have a 99 E320 (gasoline) and have much more clearance than yours, it sounds.
but trying to envision your situation.....i found it easier to pull down to compress
the shock with both hands, then use some jute twine to secure it in compressed
fashion, then adjusting my grip again with both hands to maneuver the shock
off. this was with 2wd, natch...because this technique obviously wont work
with 4matic

may not help in your case, but on the chance that it mayyyy....

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/2145575-post10.html

Thanks Terry _ I seem to remember now you or someone else posting that tip, but I couldn't find that thread when doing a search earlier today. That might do it.

Raymond - I'm talking about the engine shock. Is that what you are referring to or are you talking about the suspension shocks?

Len

suspension. (whoops) you meant them motor mounts, eh? sorry. that 'splains
why the Torx fasteners didn't make sense. LOL

I had the same problem. Solved by getting a big pair of pliers with sharp teeth, gripping the washer around its circumference, and unscrewing the bolt. The washer then moves down the thread.

Might have to try that. I checked the tip of the bolt and hardly any of of it sticks out through the other end. Not sure I could file enough off to get it out.

Len