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2005 CLK 500 Coupe Rear Control Arms replacement

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4.6K views 4 replies 3 participants last post by  JakeFromStateFarm  
#1 ·
(cross posted from another forum)

Short summary of below story: How to replace rear upper and lower control arms for an 05 CLK 500 Coupe (W209)?

I have just recently replace front arms and then went in for an alignment. The shop said they were only able to align the front wheels but not rear (something about MB not releasing factory alignment specs for rear wheels). My rear wheels had slight camber, and shop said it was because my rear arm bushings were worn and recommended a replacement. I went ahead and purchased a 6 piece kit, picture is below. When I called the shop and asked how much labor would be, he first quoted me $300 and $1000 for upper and lower arms (can't remember which quote was for which). He couldn't figure out why the quote was so high (computer gave him automated quote based on year make model). He just called me back and said he looked into it, and it'll be about $430 total for both wheels. I asked why suddenly much cheaper and he s aid originally he thought he had to lower the subframe, but now he just has to remove the drivetrain and something else.. Does this make sense? I tried looking everywhere online for instructions on replacing rear arms, and can only find for the front. Any tips or instructions, does the subframe need to be lowered?

Thanks in advance.
Purchased kit:
Image
 
#2 ·
The only adjustable alignment dimension on the rear is toe. Here's how to do it along with the specs:


Camber is not adjustable, but these are the specs:


If camber is out of spec, then you do need to replace the struts. Here are all the parts involved:


Here are the steps for replacing these parts:


None of these require removing the subframe or "drivetrain". It's all just wrenching on the bolts for the struts.

Maybe you can offer this to your mechanic in return for a discount on the work. :)
 
K
#4 ·
Jake,

The W209's as produced, only the Front and Rear Toe-In are adjustable. Good news is, they can be made fully adjustable.

I have made general notes for my son, for my wife's 2 CLK500's, which I have enclosed for you or your shop to look at.

Caution: the rear track rod pdf Rudeney provided (AR3S.20-P-0109QBS) is for a Black Series CLK only, it does not pertain to a CLK500.

My notes for refreshing the W209 rear suspension:

Thrust Arm Replacement: Is normal. Torque Bolts at ride height, tires on ground.

Strut Arm Replacement: The WIS instructs that the rear suspension sub frame carrier (cradle) be removed from the vehicle to remove the front
bolt (MB part # 001-990-67-12) of the strut arm (MB part # 210-350-33-06) This is because on the assembly line, this bolt was installed from
the front, and there is not enough room to remove it, as it hit the body.

Since I was replacing the strut arm, I have devised an easy way is to cut the bolt on the side closest to the body, vehicle front side of the strut,
with a sawsall with a 6" metal blade. You can see the inner strut bushing has a metal outer sleeve pressed into the arm, cut through that
until bolt is cut, then remove bolt in pieces. Install the new bolt from the rear, you will also need to bend a 18 mm wrench to start and
tighten the nut. This saves a lot of time and effort by not having to remove the rear suspension sub frame carrier (cradle), rear axle carrier,
rear axles and driveshaft. Torque Bolts at ride height, tires on ground.

Camber Arm Replacement: MB design is normal. Torque Bolts at ride height, tires on ground.

I prefer to use an after-market camber arm like the ghostrider kit, it offers the most adjustment (it is built like a racing track bar), and
among the cheapest. The only drawback I have heard that some encountered noise in the rear suspension. Always best to use a lithium based grease
to lube the parts when installing. This gives you the option of full rear camber adjustment. Torque Bolts at ride height, tires on ground

Tie Rod Replacement: Eccentric bolts on inner end, normal. Torque Bolts at ride height, tires on ground

Lower Control Arm Inner Bushing Replacement: Remove lower control arm remove and install new
Inner bushing (2 MB part # 202-352-01-65) with floor press.

Rear Wheel Carrier Support Bushing Replacement: Pressed into carrier, remove and install new bushing
( 2 MB part # 220-352-02-27 or Moog K200082) with threaded press tool. Install lower control arm in vehicle, Torque Bolts at ride height, tires
on ground.



My notes for refreshing the W209 front suspension:

Purchase (4) MB Part # A 000 330 00 18 Fluted Bolts (Eccentric Pin Kit) 2 for caster, 2 for Camber.

Camber Control Arm Replacement: MB design is normal, Install new control arms with Fluted Bolt. Torque Fluted Bolts at ride height, tires on ground.

Caster Control Arm Replacement: MB design is normal, Install new control arms with Fluted Bolt. Torque Fluted Bolts at ride height, tires on ground.

Camber, Caster and Toe-In can now be adjusted on the front of the CLK

Hope this helps.
 
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