mis3

Time to do the ATF pan flush again. Last time the ATF was changed when I replaced a defective conductor plate 3 years ago, 43K miles ago. I will buy the pan gasket, filter, 4L ATF and get it done by an indie.

I am wondering if I should replace the 13-pin pilot bushing. Last time this part was replaced was 4 years ago, 63K miles before. I recall this part was inexpensive but since the current part is working well, should I even touch it now?

xsever

If the indie or yourself can inspect it and deem that it's all dry and there is no leak, then I would not touch it because removing it is a bit tricky and you could risk stripping the bolt. That happened to me last time I changed it on my car and we almost had to take the conductor plate and valve body out to fix the bolt so that the bushing would tighten up.

For this part specifically, "If it's not broken, don't fix it."

Rudeney

If you replaced the pilot bushing with the revised part, you should not need to replace it again. The seal doesn't go bad over time. It was a bad seal design/material that caused leaks.

mis3

Not sure when did MB revise the part.
This pilot bushing was replaced twice; first on Jun-2006 under warranty and then on Apr-2012.

Rudeney

I'm not sure when it was finally corrected, but it revised three times. Also, the O-rings were available as separate parts, but that was discontinued. I believe the bushing itself was redesigned so that the old or-rings would no longer fit. Here's the revision history (no dates, though):

http://benzbits.com/722_6/PilotBushing.JPG

Glyn M Ruck

No leak ~ don't touch!

mis3

Thanks guys. I will make sure to check for any leak when i do the pan flush.