Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How can I tell whether the front right strut on a Mercedes-Benz 253 is already damaged?
Common signs of damage include: a hollow "thumping" noise when the right front wheel goes over speed bumps or potholes, the right side of the front end being noticeably lower than the left (but vehicle height returns to normal after sitting overnight), the front end pulling to the right during braking, and abnormal wear on the right front tire. A simple self-check method: after stopping the vehicle, press down firmly on the right front fender and release quickly. If the body bounces up and down more than twice before stopping, the damping on the right side has significantly degraded.
Q2: After replacing the front right strut, is it necessary to also replace the front left strut?
Replacing in pairs is not mandatory. This product is an independent strut and the right side can be replaced alone. However, note that if the left front strut has been in service for a long time (over 80,000 km or 5+ years), its damping force may differ from the new strut, causing inconsistent left/right suspension response, which may manifest as the vehicle leaning slightly to one side during cornering. It is recommended to decide whether to replace both sides based on the actual condition of the left front strut.
Q3: After replacing the strut, the instrument panel shows an "Air Suspension System Malfunction" warning, but the vehicle drives normally. What is the cause?
This situation is usually not a problem with the strut itself, but rather the air suspension system has not been reset after installation. After replacing suspension components on a Mercedes-Benz 253 model, a diagnostic tool (such as XENTRY or a compatible device) is required to perform a "level calibration" on the air suspension system. Even if the strut is physically installed correctly, the system may still report an error due to sensor zero-point offset. It is recommended to connect a diagnostic tool after installation, clear the fault codes, and perform a height initialization.
Q4: Is the 253 4WD front right strut interchangeable with the 2WD version?
No, they are not interchangeable. The 4WD version has added drive shafts on the front axle and a transfer case output, making the overall front axle weight higher than the 2WD version. Therefore, the damping valve tuning of the 4WD front strut differs from the 2WD version. Forcibly installing a 2WD strut on a 4WD vehicle will result in insufficient right-side support and increased body roll during cornering; conversely, installing a 4WD strut on a 2WD vehicle will feel stiffer on the right side. Before purchasing, please confirm that the vehicle is the 4WD version (identifiable by the 4MATIC badge on the rear or by VIN code).
Q5: What accessories are recommended to replace at the same time as the front right strut?
It is recommended to replace the following parts simultaneously: the front strut dust boot (the dust boot on 253 models tends to age and crack), the upper bump stop (the cushioning rubber may harden after long-term compression), and the top nut securing the piston rod (the original is a self-locking nut, which loses locking force after removal). In addition, check the ball joint on the right stabilizer bar link for looseness. If there is play, it is recommended to replace it as well to avoid persistent noise after the new strut is installed.
Q6: After replacing the strut, the right front suspension feels stiffer than before. Is this normal?
Yes, this is normal. Over long-term use, the damping oil inside the old strut gradually degrades and damping force decreases. The driver has become accustomed to the softer suspension feel. After the new strut restores the original factory damping level, the road feel on the right side becomes more pronounced, and feedback from small road imperfections increases. This is a normal phenomenon. Typically, after driving 300-500 km, the strut will gradually break in to a stable condition. If after 800 km the right front still feels noticeably stiffer than the left front, check whether the installation is correct or whether the correct model was matched.
Q7: There is a "squeaking" metal friction noise from the right front wheel area while driving after strut replacement. What is the cause?
This type of noise is usually not an internal issue with the strut, but rather caused during installation. Common causes include: 1) The top nut of the strut is not tightened to the specified torque (typically 60-70 Nm), causing relative movement between the strut and the body strut tower; 2) The dust boot is not installed properly and is rubbing against the strut body; 3) The right front brake line or height sensor wiring harness is pinched between the strut and the body during installation. It is recommended to remove the right front wheel and check whether all accessories are installed in the correct positions.
Q8: Is this product suitable for 253 models equipped with the ADS adaptive damping system?
This product is a standard damping type strut, suitable for Mercedes-Benz 253 4WD models without the adaptive damping function. If your vehicle is equipped with ADS (Adaptive Damping System / electronically controlled damping with a solenoid valve), you will need to select the corresponding electronically controlled version of the strut. How to check: open the hood and observe whether there is a solenoid valve device with a wiring harness connector on top of the right front strut tower. If present, please choose the electronically controlled version.