Mercedes-Benz ML320. Service manual - part 473

Fig. 3: Identifying Front Axle Components

Position in major assemblies compartment (left and right) 

Fig. 4: Identifying RPM Sensor Connector 

Modification notes 

7.11.00

Figure modified from 170 Nm to 
200 Nm

Value in BA33.10-P-1001-01C changed 
for Model 163

*BA33.10-P-1001-
01C

 

 

Remove/install 

 

 

 

Notes on self-locking nuts 
and bolts

All models

AH00.00-N-0001-01A 

1

Remove front wheels

 

 

 

Remove/install wheels, 
rotate if necessary

AP40.10-P-4050GH 

2

Remove shock absorber

 

AR32.25-P-0105GH 

3

Unplug speed sensor 
connector (L6/1x1, 
L6/2x1)

 

 

 

Risk of poisoning caused 
by swallowing brake 
fluid. Risk of injury 
caused by brake fluid 
coming into contact with 
skin and eyes.

Pour brake fluid only into 
suitable and appropriately 
marked containers. Wear 
protective clothing and eye 
protection when handling 
brake fluid.

AS42.50-Z-0001-01A 

4

Unscrew brake pipe from 
brake hose

Seal off line connections 

with plugs to prevent brake 
fluid from running out. 

 Installation: The brake 

hose must not be twisted 
after tightening.

 

 

Brake fluid notes

All models

AH42.50-P-0001-01A 

 

Notes on installation of 

Model Series 163

AH42.10-P-9406-01GH 

 

2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320 

1998-2005 DRIVELINE/AXLES Front Axle - 163 Chassis

  

me 

 

brake hoses

 

*BA42.10-P-1001-04A

 Ring wrench socket

Fig. 5

5

Unbolt propeller shaft at 
flange on front axle 
transmission

 

*BA41.20-P-1001-01A

6

Remove left and right 
front springs

 

AR32.20-P-0200GH 

7.1

Remove lower engine 
compartment paneling

Model 
163.157 /172 /174 /175

AR61.20-P-1105GH 

Model 163.113/ 128

AR94.30-P-5400GH

8

Detach torsion bar (28) at 
vehicle frame

 

*BA32.20-P-1001-02G

9

Detach upper transverse 
control arm (6) from 
vehicle frame

 Installation: Tighten 

new nuts slightly. Tighten 
bolt fully only when 
vehicle is on its wheels and 
ready to drive.

 

 

*BA33.20-P-1006-01D

10

Detach bracket for oil 
lines from transmission to 
oil cooler on front axle 
carrier

 

 

11

Unclip brake line at rear 
of front-axle 
crossmember

 

 

12.1

Remove vehicle level 
controller connecting rod 
(95b) at lower transverse 
control arm on right

 Vehicles with xenon 

headlamps.

 

13

Extract fluid from power 
steering pump reservoir

 Hand pump

Fig. 6

14

Turn steering wheel to 
center position (front 
wheels in straight-ahead 
position) and secure

The steering wheel must 

not be turned when the 
steering coupling has been 
removed. This will damage 
the fanfare horns and airbag 
clock spring contact 
beyond repair. 

 Remove ignition key 

and turn steering wheel so 
that it locks.

 

15.1

Detach plug-in connector 
for speed-sensitive power 
steering to timing case

 Vehicles with speed-

sensitive power steering 
only.

 

 

2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320 

1998-2005 DRIVELINE/AXLES Front Axle - 163 Chassis

  

me 

 

16

Unscrew nut (25d) and 
bolt from steering 
coupling (25) and pull 
lower steering shaft (80a) 
up out of steering 
coupling (25)

 Do not use force as the 

corrugated tube is sensitive 
to lateral forces. Enlarge 
clamping groove a little 
with a screwdriver if 
necessary. 

 Installation: ?

 

Turn rack-and-pinion 
steering (23) to center 
position, install steering 
coupling (25). 

 Replace self-locking 

nuts (25d).

AR46.20-P-0600-01GH 

 

*BA46.10-P-1001-01D

17

Unscrew return line (30f) 
and high-pressure 
expansion hose (30i)

 Connecting fitting or 

banjo bolts depending on 
the version. 

Seal off line connections 

with plugs. 

 Installation: Replace 

sealing rings. 

 Return line connection 

fitting: ?

 

  

High pressure expansion 

hose connection fitting: ?

*BA46.20-P-1001-01D

  

 Return line banjo bolt: ?

*BA46.20-P-1002-01D

  

High pressure expansion 

hose connection fitting: ?

*BA46.20-P-1004-01D

 

*BA46.20-P-1005-01D

18

Detach bleeding and 
venting hose from 
differential

 

 

19

Prop front axle carrier (1) 
with pit or installation lift

 Use assembly adapter.

AR33.10-P-0100-03GH

 

*WE58.40-Z-1019-11A

20

Unscrew bolts (1f) from 
front axle carrier (1)

 The bolts (1f)are self-

tapping, so the following 
points must be observed: 



Never re-tap thread 
in side member.  



Replace bolts.  

 

 

2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320 

1998-2005 DRIVELINE/AXLES Front Axle - 163 Chassis

  

me 

 

 Front axle carrier 

 Wheel control, hub 

 Front axle torsion strut 

 Propeller shaft of front axle gear 



Use original bolts 
only.  



Do not position bolts 
at an angle when 
screwing in.  



Do not use an impact 
wrench.  



Observe the 
tightening torque.  

 

*BA33.10-P-1001-01C

21

Lower front axle carrier 
(1), pushing all hoses to 
one side

 Installation: Contact 

surfaces of front axle 
carrier to longitudinal 
member must be cleaned 
and flat. 
Insert the locating pins of 
the front axle carrier into 
the holes in the side 
member.

 

22

Check front axle carrier 
(1) for damage

 

 

23

Install in the reverse order  

 

24

Fill power steering pump 
and bleed

Engine 112, 113

AR46.30-P-0010B 

Engine 111, 612

AR46.30-P-0010P

25

Bleed brake system

 

AR42.10-P-0010GH 

26

Perform chassis 
alignment

 

AR40.20-P-0200GH 

Number

Designation

Model Series 163

BA33.10-P-1001-01C

Bolt of front axle carrier to frame

Nm 200

Number

Designation

Model Series 163

BA33.20-P-1006-01D

Bolt, upper transverse control arm to frame

Nm 120

Number

Designation

Model Series 163

BA32.20-P-1001-02G

Bolt, retaining bracket to frame

Nm 100

Number

Designation

Model Series 163

 

2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320 

1998-2005 DRIVELINE/AXLES Front Axle - 163 Chassis

  

me