- remove the cap, unscrew the wheel bolts and remove the wheel;
- place the jack under the middle of the rear axle and raise it a little, leaving it under load;
![](https://www.mercedesman.ru/img/another/0306.jpg)
Pic. 253. Location of ladder nuts
- loosen the bolt nuts (pic. 253);
- lower the jack a little, knock out the stepladders and remove the released pads;
- lower the jack so that the spring hangs freely on the hangers;
- unscrew the nut of the front spring suspension and knock out the bolt. The spring should be held so that after knocking out the bolt it does not fall;
- unscrew the spring mount on the other side in the same way and remove the spring. At the same time, an assistant must hold it, as it may fall. Caution: possibility of injury;
- Loosen the spring retainer.
Note. When installing the spring later or replacing it with a new one, pay attention to the correct position - the front mounting hole is larger.
In the event of a break in one of the leaf springs, you should contact the service station and find out whether it is necessary to replace the leaf or the entire spring. Rubber bushings of the spring and earrings can be replaced by pressing them out first. Moisten the new bushings with soapy water when pressing in to make it easier.
The installation of the spring should be carried out in reverse order, taking into account the following:
- screw the earring to the spring and install it so that the distance between the centers of the mounting holes in the front of the spring and the earring itself is 1470 mm. With the help of an assistant who must hold the earring in this position, tighten the bolt and nut of its fastening to the spring to a torque of 75-85 Nm;
![](https://www.mercedesman.ru/img/another/0307.jpg)
Pic. 252. Mounting the rear spring: 1 - nut M12, 75–80 Nm; 2 - M12 bolt; 3 - rear spring; 4 - washer; 5 - nut M14, 120–130 Nm; 6 - top pad; 7 - stepladder; 8 - suspension of the earring; 9 - M12 bolt
- attach the spring to the spar. Tighten the spring mounting bolts with the vehicle on wheels so that the rubber bushings are under load. The tightening torques are shown in fig. 252.