Coil Spring - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear coil springs on a 2007-2013 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG, including safe compression and handling of suspension components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring (left) × 1 — Mercedes OEM A2213240404 or equivalent
• Rear coil spring (right) × 1 — Mercedes OEM A2213240504 or equivalent
• Spring pad/isolator (upper) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Spring pad/isolator (lower) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Verify vehicle has conventional coil spring rear suspension, not Airmatic or ABC hydraulic suspension
2. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
3. Place wheel chocks at front wheels
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
5. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated rear jacking point
6. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at reinforced frame rails, ensuring vehicle is stable
7. Remove rear wheels completely
8. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes
9. Visually inspect rear suspension for damage, wear, or additional components that may require service

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear axle and control arm
   Position a floor jack with a block of wood under the rear lower control arm on the side being serviced, close to the wheel hub. Raise jack just enough to support the weight of the control arm and take slight load off the spring, but do not lift the vehicle. This prevents the control arm from dropping suddenly when fasteners are removed.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar link
   Locate the rear sway bar end link connection to the lower control arm. Use an Allen key to hold the shaft of the link while removing the lower retaining nut with a wrench. Disconnect the sway bar link from the control arm and move it aside. This provides clearance for spring removal.
   ℹ️The sway bar link shaft may spin freely if the internal ball joint is worn. Replace if excessively worn.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove shock absorber lower mounting bolt
   Locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt connecting to the rear lower control arm or axle carrier. Remove this bolt completely using a socket and breaker bar. The shock will remain attached at the upper mount. Push the shock aside to provide access to the spring area.
   ⚠Do not allow the shock absorber to hang unsupported by its upper mount alone for extended periods.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Carefully lower control arm to expose spring
   Very slowly and carefully lower the floor jack supporting the control arm. Monitor the spring as the control arm descends. Lower the arm until there is sufficient clearance to access and remove the spring. The spring will still be under some compression at this point.
   ⚠️Lower the jack very slowly and maintain control. The spring is still compressed and can shift suddenly.
5. 5

   Install spring compressor
   Install a coil spring compressor tool onto the exposed spring, following the manufacturer's instructions for the compressor. Ensure the compressor hooks or arms are fully engaged with multiple coils and are seated securely. Install compressor components on opposite sides of the spring for balanced compression. Verify all attachment points before proceeding.
   ⚠️Verify spring compressor is rated for heavy vehicle springs and is in good condition with no damaged or worn components. Never use undersized or damaged compressors.
   ⚠️Ensure compressor hooks engage at least 2-3 full coils and are positioned to prevent slipping.
6. 6

   Compress spring
   Slowly and evenly compress the spring using the spring compressor, alternating between compression points to maintain even pressure. Compress until the spring is no longer under load from the vehicle weight and has visible separation from the upper or lower spring seat. Continue compression until the spring can be safely removed from its position.
   ⚠️Compress slowly and evenly. Watch for any shifting or slipping of compressor components. Stop immediately if anything appears unsafe.
   ⚠️Keep hands, face, and body clear of the spring path during compression.
7. 7

   Remove compressed spring assembly
   With the spring fully compressed and unloaded, carefully remove it from between the upper spring seat (on the body) and lower spring seat (on the control arm). Tilt and maneuver the compressed spring assembly out through the suspension components. Place the compressed spring in a safe location away from the work area.
   ⚠Handle the compressed spring carefully. It remains under significant tension even when removed from the vehicle.
8. 8

   Inspect and replace spring isolators
   Inspect the upper and lower spring isolator pads on both the body spring seat and control arm spring seat. Look for cracking, deterioration, or compression damage. Remove old isolators and clean the spring seats with a wire brush. Install new spring isolator pads, ensuring they are properly seated in their mounting positions.
9. 9

   Prepare new spring
   Remove the spring compressor from the old spring carefully, releasing tension slowly and evenly. Install the spring compressor onto the new spring using the same secure engagement as before. Compress the new spring to approximately the same compressed length as the old spring was when removed, allowing it to fit into the suspension mounting points.
   ⚠️When releasing the old spring, do so in a controlled area away from people and vehicles. Release tension very slowly.
10. 10

    Install new spring
    Carefully maneuver the compressed new spring into position between the upper body spring seat and lower control arm spring seat. Ensure the spring ends are properly aligned with the isolator pads and any locating tabs. Verify the spring is correctly oriented (springs may have directional installation).
    ℹ️Mercedes springs often have specific orientation with painted marks or end configurations. Verify orientation matches the old spring.
11. 11

    Release spring tension and remove compressor
    Raise the floor jack under the control arm to begin supporting the spring load. As you raise the control arm into position, the spring will begin to seat properly. Slowly and evenly release the spring compressor tension, allowing the vehicle weight to load the spring naturally. Once the spring is fully seated and under vehicle load, completely remove the spring compressor tools.
    ⚠️Release compressor tension slowly while raising the control arm. Ensure spring seats properly into upper and lower mounts without shifting.
12. 12

    Reconnect shock absorber lower mount
    With the control arm raised to its normal position (supported by the floor jack), align the shock absorber lower mounting point with the control arm or axle carrier bracket. Insert the lower shock mounting bolt and tighten to specification using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Reconnect the sway bar end link to the lower control arm. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key and install the retaining nut. Torque the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat steps 1 through 13 for the opposite rear spring. It is critical to replace both rear springs as a pair to maintain proper vehicle handling and ride height balance.
15. 15

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install the rear wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Remove the floor jack from under the control arm. Raise the vehicle slightly and remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle completely to the ground. With the vehicle weight on all four wheels, torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all suspension fasteners are torqued to specification with vehicle weight on wheels where indicated
2. Double-check that spring compressor tools have been completely removed from both springs
3. Verify shock absorbers and sway bar links are properly connected on both sides
4. Inspect the work area for any dropped fasteners or tools before test driving

Verification

• Perform a visual inspection under the vehicle to verify both springs are properly seated in their upper and lower mounts
• Check that vehicle sits level from side to side and front to rear with normal ride height
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area, listening for any unusual noises from the rear suspension
• Verify suspension operates smoothly over small bumps without clunking or rattling
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-torque all suspension fasteners and verify wheel lug nut torque
• Consider having a professional alignment performed, as spring replacement can affect rear suspension geometry

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