How to replace front air shocks on W166 Mercedes ML GLE and X166 Mercedes GLS

How to replace the front air shocks in a Mercedes-Benz ML320 ML450 ML550 ML63 GLS320 GLS450 GLS550
I hope this video helps with the process of how to replace the front air shocks on a Mercedes suv.
The torque specs are as follows
shock nuts up top 60Nm
lower shock nut 100Nm then 180 degrees
upper ball joing 100Nm then 45 degrees
axle nut 250Nm then loosen 180 degrees, then tighten 200Nm then 30 degrees
tie rod nut 90Nm then 90 degrees
sway bar link 80Nm then 90 degrees
brake caliper bolts 80Nm then 45 degrees
small torx bolts 8 Nm
I hope this helps!
Lou Palomino

[@kdao1007]

Love all your videos Lou, and we know how hard it is to make them. BUT Mercedes owners appreciate you making them and giving us your tips. Thanks so much for all that you do

[@MasterTechLou]

That means a lot it truly does! Thank you 😊!

[@DiegoHernandezLikesBikes]

I'm about to do this job. Your video saved me a ton of headaches and time wasting on Mercedes WIC

[@MasterTechLou]

Wis, group 32 😉

[@fizzymax]

Thanks so much for your video, if it wasn't for this I would have been stuck changing the suspension on my GLS. Thanks to the details provided in this I was able to get the job done successfully.

[@MasterTechLou]

Glad to hear! Glad to help!

[@SantanKGhey1234]

Thanks! One more question... I have a slight steering wheel vibration at 100kmh- 110kmh.... I have new wheels and tires installed, they were roadforce balanced perfect. Yet I still have a vibration and resonance frequency in the steering wheel. What could it be? Like I said it only has 10000km and never been in any accident. I'm thinking of checking it's alignment.... Also what is the correct tire pressure for this? my door sticker says 38fr and 50rr which seems high and why it rides so hard... Cheers!

[@douglasr.5100]

Thank you for video.

[@user-cm3si2ts8b]

Hello MT Lou! I have the same car and just replaced the rear bags and shocks without any issues, besides the rear was sitting now lower than before. I purchased, inspired by your review, a A30M to perform a level calibration. Everything works fine with the A30M - I can lower and rise all four corners. However, once I balance the height in the calibration screen and perform the calibration it confirms the new height but it shows different height levels after the confirmation message. Adjustment are in the negative range of -20 and -10mm before calibration. After calibration, the levels are now in the positive range +20 range and the car sits now very high. Appreciate your feedback and insight and happy to schedule a paid 1:1 FaceTime session.

[@user-cm3si2ts8b]

@MasterTechLou

[@drdiabeetus3061]

Great video! Doing a 2013 GL350 and your vid has been a tremendous help. These front strut assembly’s are no joke heavy! Thank You for posting! Earned a like and sub!

[@MasterTechLou]

Glad I could help! Yes they are heavy, always recommend two people if ya can but not usually something that can always be done. Thanks for watching!

[@drdiabeetus3061]

@@MasterTechLou as a side note, the GL350 I’m working on has a major oil leak on passenger side. I just replaced the PCV assembly, seems like a common issue. But what are other common leak areas? The whole rear of the alternator is covered in engine oil. Seems to be leaking down from the charge pipe on passenger side (right side). But also lots of oil rear of engine along trans pan and exhaust down pipe. This engine was recently replaced by a shop (not me). I’m worried they butchered the job.

[@drdiabeetus3061]

I noted a good amount of oil in intake before turbo, seemed to be coming from the PCV.

[@MasterTechLou]

@@drdiabeetus3061 most likely have a leaking seal in the intake pipes. the vacuum pump leaks from the housing, benz sells a whole pump but I think you can find seals online,. thats the most common 2 things. besides the oil cooler that will cause a leak at the left rear of engine (driver side)

[@drdiabeetus3061]

@@MasterTechLou thank you for the advice! I will look into charge pipe seals.

[@dannyd.8753]

Good job. Well done!

[@kagu6856]

Dang it, the front spindle really makes things complicated. I always wish my X166 is RWD.

[@OlaOlu23]

Perfect. Please can you do a video on how to dismantle this same shock

[@MasterTechLou]

No I cannot sorry I don’t go that in depth with repairs.

[@Cmhhh9]

Thank you for saving me money😅

[@mikimiki195]

I just subscribe great videos on MB I guess you can change front differential fluid at same time only thing is left to do taking axle out

[@eatont9999]

Do you replace the brass fitting on the air line when you do these? I always have. I figured since it comes with it, there must be a good enough reason to.

[@MasterTechLou]

yes I do, cant risk comebacks

[@gladowar9273]

While i was driving on flat road i felt like something popped and i got a error message saying suspension malfunction. It bounces alot and when in park only front right had is really low. Does that mean the strut is gone?

[@angrycatowner]

This is great video, but why can't you use a floor jack to compress the air shock a little so you can get it past the drive shaft?

[@MasterTechLou]

Its 1 nut for the drive shaft, its actually faster to do the job the right way then to try and take short cuts. The reason I do it this way is because I have tried other ways. Id rather not risk damaging a cv axle boot and then having to spend another 2 hours repairing it for free. There is not much more compression you can do in that small area with the shock as deflated as it is. I’ve tried using prybars to pry it over the shaft, pulling down on the control arm, the fastest and safest way is to just get the axle out of the knuckle.

[@MasterTechLou]

Also thank you for your nice comments ❤️

[@SantanKGhey1234]

Thanks for this Lou. I picked up a 2017 GLS with only 10000kms. It has aromatic. I find the ride quality hard. It functions normally and doesn't leak. Comfort mode is hard and Sport mode even harder. Are the struts worn already?

[@MasterTechLou]

Your tires and your tread depth on the tires are gonna play a factor but I will say these newer Mercedes are not as soft a ride as the older ones. So you’re gonna want to find another model like yours to compare it with a road test. Oh yeah, they are pretty Rough Mercedes considers them sporty, no matter what model you have. That is just my experience in these.

[@SantanKGhey1234]

Thanks! One more question... I have a slight steering wheel vibration at 100kmh- 110kmh.... I have new wheels and tires installed, they were roadforce balanced perfect. Yet I still have a vibration and resonance frequency in the steering wheel. What could it be? Like I said it only has 10000km and never been in any accident. I'm thinking of checking it's alignment.... Also what is the correct tire pressure for this? my door sticker says 38fr and 50rr which seems high and why it rides so hard... Cheers!

[@MasterTechLou]

@@SantanKGhey1234 tire pressure is on the fuel door. As for vibrations……. Best of luck. They are so tedious and annoying to diagnose. I cannot do that via text.

[@Andersonairchris]

What are these perforated tile floors i keep seeing on KZbin channels? What happens if a washer or clip falls down through the openings?

[@MasterTechLou]

Check my channel I have videos or me installing them. They pop up super easy .

[@conniesoliz2839]

Will this be the same for a 2018 GLE350?

[@MasterTechLou]

Yes same chassis GLE is the new term for ML

[@agondokusumo-111]

Do you know why the radiator fan run all the time as soon as the car starts in the morning while engine is still cold with or without AC in GLE250d W166 or GLE300d w166 (in US)? Scan it with Xentry no codes, but B12 refrigerant pressure sensor is stuck at 19-20 bar. I have replaced refrigerant pressure sensor but to no avail, still the same. Any suggestion is welcome. Thanks

[@MasterTechLou]

Wiring to sensor or refrigeration too high, check engine module to see why fan is requested on

[@sterlingfoxtrot5587]

When refastening the hardware, do you use threadlocker or just tighten to spec?

[@MasterTechLou]

Tighten to spec ….. MOST of the time. 😜. Important parts get torqued. Parts that break easy get torqued. Like certain bolts and studs. We learn this through trial and error unfortunately

[@prabeeshsidhu]

How many hours of labour would it cost to change one of the struts

[@MasterTechLou]

Obviously depends on the car, but it usually takes 45 min to an hour for each strut. Just for the strut. Not counting wheels and using scanner to drain and fill struts when removing and installing. Shops might charge 3.5 hours for each strut . But an expert mechanic can remove then fairly quickly.

[@prabeeshsidhu]

@@MasterTechLou it’s for the gle w166. Was debating between air suspension or coil suspension. Cost of air struts is reasonable. Was just wondering if it’s labour times which make the system expensive. Would you recommend air suspension for a used purchase ( sub 25k miles driven) ? Expense worth the eventual repair cost?

[@MasterTechLou]

@@prabeeshsidhu only the individual can determine if its worth it. I drive dodges 😂 So…… I personally dont find value in repair costs or automobiles. Only reason I own an s class and c class is for youtube.

[@joshbottube]

The ride on my 2012 ML550 with 105K miles is getting pretty rough. The suspension is really squaky. How much should I expect to pay to get the front shocks replaced?

[@MasterTechLou]

Probably 3500-4k depending on shop labor rate

[@joshbottube]

Thank you for answering my question@@MasterTechLou !

[@BrokeLogic]

The axel removal helps but I don't think its absolutely necessary... Am I wrong?

[@MasterTechLou]

It has to be removed or else you wont have enough downward movement to get the shock out

[@jnjn-u4297]

Even with manual compression ??

[@DJvRoD]

@@MasterTechLou You can just pop it out of the trans to get your movement. Saves you having to rip the axel nut off.

[@user-rh8dl7ik1q]

What kind of lube will be best to use on the level sensors?

[@MasterTechLou]

I just use grease on the sockets. wheel bearing grease.

[@user-rh8dl7ik1q]

@@MasterTechLou Thank you and I appreciate your taking the time to reply to us and sharing your videos/knowledge. I've been telling friends and other MB owners on the forums to check out your videos.

[@MasterTechLou]

@@user-rh8dl7ik1q Thanks! I appreciate that! If you take the time to watch and comment, I want to show appreciation by acknowledging and or replying back ❤

[@nickayivor8432]

👍 My Mentor Mercedes Benz Master Tech Lou PRODIGY Mercedes-Benz Master Tech Lou Take care and have a great evening with all your family around you PRODIGY Mercedes-Benz Master Tech Lou From Nick Ayivor from London England UK 🇬🇧 ⏰️ 22:58pm