Sunday, May 5, 2013
How to Replace the Outer CV Joint in a Mercedes
1. Loosen the appropriate wheel with a tire wrench by turning the lug nuts a quarter turn counterclockwise.
2. Engage the emergency brake.
3. Jack up the front of the Mercedes using the front jack points and place the jack stands under the pinch welds in the front of the car. Lower the Mercedes onto the jack stands.
4. Finish removing the lug nuts and pull the wheel off.
5. Remove the spindle nut using the the spindle nut socket and an impact wrench.
6. Remove both of the caliper mounting bolts on the brake caliper and secure the caliper to the coil springs above the hub assembly using zip ties.
7. Pull the brake rotor off.
8. Place the floor jack under the lower control arm lift up on the arm to remove the load from the upper mounting nuts.
9. Remove the bolts holding the brake hose mounting bracket in place.
10. Remove the steering knuckle pinch bolt at the base of the shock/strut. Separate the lower control arm from the steering knuckle by tapping on the knuckle with a hammer.
11. Swing the knuckle and hub out of the way and pull the axle out of the transmission.
12. Pull the other end of the axle out of the hub assembly.
13. Insert the new axle and CV joint.
14. Reassemble the wheel hub and brake system. Assembly is the reverse of disassembly.
15. Put the wheel back on, tighten the lug nuts, lower the vehicle to the ground and do a final torque of the lug nuts to 100 foot-pounds.
