10+ years GLK - plastic/rubber items to preemptively replace?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 356
Likes: 33
From: NYC
glk
10+ years GLK - plastic/rubber items to preemptively replace?
For those who want to keep GLK very long term, we know that rubber/plastic items will likely be close to end of life.
What rubber/plastic items prone to cracking/breaking down should be considered for replacement?
What rubber/plastic items prone to cracking/breaking down should be considered for replacement?
Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 111
Likes: 18
From: Toronto
GLK350
There's lots of buttons, stickers and trim pieces on Ali Express, I'm making everything chrome right now. Some leather restoration too. I have a few styles of front grille too while they are available.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,692
Likes: 4,584
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Poly-v belt
top and bottom radiator hoses
front suspension control arms (includes bushings and ball joints in the arm assembly)
stabilizer bar bushings (might require purchasing a new stabilizer bar because MB sells the bushing+bar as a single unit on other models)
propshaft flex couplings
engine and transmission mounts
Careful when attempting to replace underhood plastic, it gets brittle with age. Best practice is to have all the parts in hand which could possibly break as collateral damage.
top and bottom radiator hoses
front suspension control arms (includes bushings and ball joints in the arm assembly)
stabilizer bar bushings (might require purchasing a new stabilizer bar because MB sells the bushing+bar as a single unit on other models)
propshaft flex couplings
engine and transmission mounts
Careful when attempting to replace underhood plastic, it gets brittle with age. Best practice is to have all the parts in hand which could possibly break as collateral damage.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 61
Likes: 4
GLK 350, 300ce
After 11 years and mostly garage-kept, I had to replace the driver's side window switch covers and air intake hoses. The hoses probably could have lasted longer
but they were very brittle and I busted one when replacing the engine air filter.
but they were very brittle and I busted one when replacing the engine air filter.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,780
Likes: 115
From: Northern NJ
GLK 350 / Porsche 993
Bottom front seat cushion tends to split at the seam.
The soft air intake tubes tend to rip.
Rear hatch shocks should be replaced.
I had crank pulley fail (there is rubber part that separated)
In fact, all idle pulleys should be replaced and belt while at it.
Transmission mount and engine mounts if have not already.
I have not have any problems with any buttons after 13 years
The soft air intake tubes tend to rip.
Rear hatch shocks should be replaced.
I had crank pulley fail (there is rubber part that separated)
In fact, all idle pulleys should be replaced and belt while at it.
Transmission mount and engine mounts if have not already.
I have not have any problems with any buttons after 13 years
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,780
Likes: 115
From: Northern NJ
GLK 350 / Porsche 993
I ripped one of mine years ago...they are just brittle to begin with.
