Leaf Spring

Replace the rear leaf springs on a 2007-2013 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG V221 chassis, including removal of spring mounting hardware and installation of new springs.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear leaf spring assembly (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear leaf spring assembly (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Leaf spring mounting bushings × 4 — Replace if worn or damaged
• U-bolt hardware kit × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Shackle bolts and nuts × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Lift rear of vehicle using floor jack at manufacturer-approved lift points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at frame rails - never on suspension components
6. Remove rear wheels completely
7. Spray all mounting hardware with penetrating oil and allow 15-20 minutes to penetrate
8. Support rear differential and axle assembly with transmission jack to control movement during disassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear axle assembly
   Position transmission jack or adjustable stand under the rear differential center section. Raise slightly to take tension off suspension components but do not lift the vehicle. The axle must remain supported throughout the entire procedure to prevent sudden dropping when spring is removed.
2. 2

   Disconnect shock absorber lower mount
   Locate the shock absorber lower mounting bolt at the rear axle. Remove the mounting bolt and nut, then swing shock absorber up and secure with wire or bungee cord to prevent damage. Note the orientation of any washers or bushings for reassembly.
3. 3

   Remove U-bolt hardware
   Remove the two U-bolts that secure the leaf spring to the rear axle housing. Remove the nuts from the bottom of each U-bolt, then remove the U-bolt plate and the U-bolts themselves. Keep hardware organized by side. Inspect U-bolts for thread damage or deformation - replace if questionable.
4. 4

   Remove rear shackle bolts
   At the rear of the leaf spring, locate the shackle assembly that connects the spring to the frame. Remove the upper and lower shackle bolts/nuts. The spring will now be supported only at the front mount. Use a pry bar to separate the shackle if bushings are seized, but do not damage mounting surfaces.
5. 5

   Remove front spring eye bolt
   At the front of the leaf spring, remove the through-bolt that secures the spring eye to the front hanger bracket on the frame. This bolt typically requires significant force to remove. Support the spring with one hand as the bolt is withdrawn to prevent it from falling.
6. 6

   Remove leaf spring assembly
   Carefully lower and remove the leaf spring assembly from the vehicle. Spring will be heavy (approximately 40-60 lbs). Inspect all mounting points on frame and axle for corrosion, damage, or wear. Clean mounting surfaces with wire brush.
7. 7

   Inspect and prepare new spring
   Compare new leaf spring to old spring to verify correct application. Check that spring eye bushings are properly installed and greased. Verify shackle bushings are present and in good condition. Apply thin coat of anti-seize to bolt contact surfaces.
8. 8

   Install new leaf spring front mount
   Position new leaf spring with front eye aligned to front hanger bracket. Insert front eye bolt through bushing and bracket. Start nut but do not fully tighten - leave hardware loose to allow suspension to settle to ride height before final torque.
9. 9

   Install rear shackle assembly
   Align rear of spring with shackle brackets on frame. Install upper and lower shackle bolts and nuts. Start nuts but do not fully tighten. Ensure shackle moves freely and is not bound up.
10. 10

    Position spring on axle housing
    Use transmission jack to carefully raise axle housing until it contacts the new leaf spring at the correct position (typically marked by spring center bolt). Verify spring is centered on axle pad and properly seated.
11. 11

    Install U-bolt hardware
    Install new U-bolts over axle housing and through spring mounting plate. Install U-bolt plate and all nuts. Tighten nuts in cross pattern gradually to ensure even clamping force. Torque to manufacturer specification (typically 70-90 lb-ft for this class vehicle, but verify specific torque in service manual).
12. 12

    Reconnect shock absorber
    Align shock absorber lower mount with bracket on axle housing. Install mounting bolt and nut. Torque to specification using torque wrench.
13. 13

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat all removal and installation steps for the opposite side leaf spring. Maintain symmetry in all adjustments and torque values.
14. 14

    Install wheels and lower vehicle
    Install rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern. Carefully remove jack stands and lower vehicle until full weight is on suspension but wheels still slightly off ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in star pattern.
15. 15

    Final torque at ride height
    Lower vehicle completely to ground with full weight on suspension. Torque all spring eye bolts, shackle bolts, and U-bolt nuts to final specification with vehicle at ride height. This is critical - suspension fasteners must be torqued at normal ride height to prevent bushing bind and premature wear.

Reassembly

1. All suspension fasteners must be torqued to final specification with vehicle at normal ride height, not while suspended in air
2. Replace any U-bolts, shackle bolts, or hardware that shows thread damage or deformation
3. Apply thread locker to U-bolt nuts if specified in service manual
4. Verify shock absorbers move freely through full range of travel after installation

Verification

• Bounce rear of vehicle several times and verify no abnormal noises or movement from spring mounts
• Verify all fasteners are properly torqued using torque wrench
• Check ride height side-to-side - should be equal within 10mm
• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify proper handling and no suspension noises
• Schedule alignment check within 50 miles - leaf spring replacement can affect rear axle alignment
• Re-check all fastener torque after 100 miles of driving

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