Strut surprise!
 

I have found my LF strut cartridge leaking on my '01 E-320 4Matic wagon. It's under the MB Starmark warranty. I thought all MB struts were gas. I'm pretty sure they have to be replaced in pairs and will require an alignment. Is this last statement correct? Thanks for the help. Dennis

"SHOULD" be replaced in pairs is correct.

Doubt that they will replace both.

M.B.DOC.,
I have a good repore` with the dealer/service writer, but what should I say if they tell me they will only replace the defective one? How far can I push the button? If they do replace both, will it require an alignment? Thanks, Dennis

Don't worry, it shouldn't be an issue. Hopefully, your dealer will refer to Service Bulletin 32.25/19e. I refer to this bulletin all the time to determine when to replace shocks/struts in pairs, or not. For your car, several shock absorber variants exist, requiring that they be replaced in pairs. In cases like this, MB Warranty will pay for both shocks, no questions asked. If you want a wheel alignment done though, you're on your own. The work instructions for shock absorber replacement don't include it, therefore MB Warranty won'y pay for it.

This is good news, as in the past my MB dealer has done the right thing. What I take from this is, the strut replacement on both sides will not effect the geometry on the front end, therefore a realignment is not necessary. Thanks, Dennis

Yes, this is correct. A good rule of thumb is "coil springs hold it up, shocks hold it down". :D