GDW Tow Bar (Ref. 1361) for Mercedes CLK (W209)
Vehicle: Mercedes CLK (W209)
Model Years: 2002 - ....
Reference Number: GDW Ref. 1361
EEC Approval: e6*94/20*0350*00
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| D/S (Vertical/Shear Load) | 9.00 KN |
| S/ (Shear Load) | 75 kg |
| Max. (Max. Towing Capacity) | 1500 kg |
Product Overview
This document provides installation instructions and technical specifications for the GDW tow bar, reference 1361, designed for the Mercedes CLK (W209) model range from 2002 onwards. GDW nv is the manufacturer, located in Waregem, Belgium.
Installation Instructions
- Remove the rear bumper, exhaust system, and heat shield from the vehicle. Disassemble the metal buffer beam and permanently remove its supports.
- Remove the four rubber caps located at the bottom and left inside the chassis beams. Insert the mounting tubes (g) and (h) through the rear body openings into the chassis beams until points (A), (B), and (C) align with the pre-drilled holes previously covered by the caps. Place the mounting plates (i) against the inner side (left) and underside (right) of the chassis beams at points (A), (B), and (C) of the mounting tubes. Insert the necessary bolts and washers but do not tighten them yet.
- Mount the buffer beam onto the tow bar points (F) using the original vehicle bolts.
- Slide the tow bar over the mounting tubes until points (E) align with the corresponding points on the mounting pieces (g) and (h). Insert the necessary bolts and washers. Points (D) and (D') will contact the rear bodywork of the vehicle at the holes freed after removing the buffer beam. Insert bolts and place washers on the inside of the trunk onto these bolts. Tighten everything firmly.
- Attach the exhaust rubber to the supplied suspension piece (j) and mount this piece using point (G) on the tow bar at points (H).
- Make a 150mm wide and 15mm deep incision in the bumper, measured from the lower edge. Also, create a recess to install the electrical socket. Reinstall the bumper.
- Assemble (*) and tighten firmly according to torque specifications.
Composition (Parts List)
| Item | Description | Reference/Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tow bar assembly | Reference 1361 |
| 1 | Ball coupling T43L029 | (*) |
| 4 | Bolts M12x40 | (*) |
| 12 | Washers M12 | (*-A-B-C-E) |
| 1 | Safety shackle | (*) |
| 4 | Bolts M12x1.25x35 | (A-B-C) |
| 4 | Bolts M12x1.25x40 | (E) |
| 4 | Bolts M10x35 | (D) |
| 2 | Bolts M10x65 | (D') |
| 6 | Washers M10 | (D-D') |
| 6 | Nuts M10 | (D-D') |
| 1 | Bolt M8x30 | (H) |
| 1 | Washer M8 | (H) |
| 1 | Nut M8 | (H) |
| 10 | Washers 40x35x12x4 | (D-D'-E) |
| 1 | Mounting piece (g) | (A-B-D-D'-E-F) |
| 1 | Mounting piece (h) | (A-C-D-D'-E-F) |
| 2 | Mounting pieces (i) | (A-B-C) |
| 1 | Suspension piece (j) | (G) |
All bolts and nuts are quality 8.8.
Torque Specifications
Quality 8.8 Bolts/Screws:
| Bolt Size | Torque (Nm) | Torque (kgm) | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| M6 | 10.8 | 1.1 | DIN 912, DIN 931, DIN 933, DIN 7991 |
| M8 | 25.5 | 2.60 | DIN 912, DIN 931, DIN 933, DIN 7991 |
| M10 | 52.0 | 5.30 | DIN 912, DIN 931, DIN 933, DIN 7991 |
| M12 | 88.3 | 9.0 | DIN 912, DIN 931, DIN 933, DIN 7991 |
| M14 | 137 | 14.0 | DIN 912, DIN 931, DIN 933, DIN 7991 |
| M16 | 211.0 | 21.5 | DIN 912, DIN 931, DIN 933, DIN 7991 |
Quality 10.9 Bolts/Screws:
| Bolt Size | Torque (Nm) | Torque (kgm) | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| M6 | 13.7 | 1.4 | DIN 912, DIN 931, DIN 933, DIN 7991 |
| M8 | 35.3 | 3.6 | DIN 912, DIN 931, DIN 933, DIN 7991 |
| M10 | 70.6 | 7.20 | DIN 912, DIN 931, DIN 933, DIN 7991 |
| M12 | 122.6 | 12.5 | DIN 912, DIN 931, DIN 933, DIN 7991 |
| M14 | 194 | 19.8 | DIN 912, DIN 931, DIN 933, DIN 7991 |
| M16 | 299.2 | 30.5 | DIN 912, DIN 931, DIN 933, DIN 7991 |
Diagram Descriptions
Assembly Diagram: The document includes a technical diagram illustrating the assembly of the tow bar. It shows the main tow bar structure and its connection points to the vehicle's chassis, identified by labels such as (A), (B), (C), (D), (E), (F), (G), (H), and mounting pieces (g), (h), (i), and suspension piece (j). This diagram is crucial for understanding the physical placement and connection of each component during installation.
Clearance Specifications Diagram: Another diagram details the required clearance angles and dimensions for the tow bar assembly, adhering to guideline 94/20/EG (Supplement VII, illustration 30). It specifies minimum and maximum angles (e.g., 30°, 45°) and distances (e.g., min. 32, min. 55, min. 65, min. 75, max. 100, max. R14.5, max. R40, 350-420mm). This ensures the tow bar meets regulatory safety standards. It also references the permissible total weight of the vehicle.
Important Notes
- For the maximum permissible towing mass for your vehicle, consult your vehicle dealer or owner's manual.
- Remove any bitumen coating or anti-vibration material from the mounting points before installation.
- When drilling, exercise caution to avoid damaging brake lines, electrical wiring, or fuel lines.
