Remove Install New Front Sway Torsion Bar Bushings ML 1998-2005 W163

Introduction

This repair guide will show you how to replace the front sway bar bushings on an ML, applicable to 1998-2005. The primary purpose of the sway bar is to reduce body roll on corners and improve vehicle stability in highway driving. You should consider replacing the sway bar bushings on your ML if you notice the following:

Noise in Front Suspension
Clunking
Rattling
Torn Sway Bar Bushings Upon Inspection
Poor handling
Noise when going over bumps

Even though these are common symptoms of failed stabilizer/sway/torsion bar bushing, other suspension components could cause similar problems.

Make:	Mercedes-Benz
Model:	ML320 ML430 ML350 ML500 ML55 AMG
Years:	1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Difficulty:	Medium
DIY Cost	$20-$50
Time:	90 minutes

Parts & Tools Required

To complete this repair, you will need a sway bar bushing kit. There are a total of 4 bushings that will need to be replaced. In this case, we also replaced the sway/torsion bar bracket, which is unnecessary in most cases. If you need new bushings, a Mercedes w163 Sway Bar Mount Bushing Kit Front complete kit sells online for under $30.

DIY Instructions Remove Install New Sway Torsion Bar Bushings ML W163

Step 1 Jack up your ML

Before you start, make sure you have your emergency brakes set. While this repair could be performed without removing the front wheels, it will be easier to work under the car and remove the bushings if you remove the wheel. Loosen the lug nuts on the front two tires but do not remove the lug nuts yet. Raise the car using your jack and place a couple of Jack Stands Min Rating 2 Ton to secure the vehicle.

STEP 2 Remove the outer sway bar bushing

Remove the bolt on the bracket at the lower control arm. Once the bracket is removed, the outer sway bar bushing can be easily removed by sliding the bushing out.

STEP 3 Remove the inner bushing

Locate the inner sway bar bushing. You will need to remove two bolts to remove this bushing.

STEP 4 OPTIONAL Remove the retaining bracket

If you plan on removing the retaining bracket, do so now. You must remove the bolt that secures the retaining bracket to the frame.

STEP 5 Install new inner sway bar bushing

Now that all the brackets are removed slide out the inner sway bar bushing and install the new bushing. Notice that the hole inside the bushing is more prominent on one side. That is the side that needs to face toward the wheel.

STEP 6 Install new retaining bracket

If you are replacing the retaining bracket, install the new bracket. Torque the bolt that holds the retaining bracket to the frame to 100 Nm. Next, install the bracket and the two bolts that hold the inner sway bar bushing to the retaining bracket. Tighten the two bolts to 50Nm.