Uranium238

Are Arnott struts still a good replacement on w221s? I have a torn rear strut dust boot and we are contemplating replacing both rears as they are the original MB struts.

I have read mixed reviews in the past on them and possible Chinese part sourcing. Let me know what y'all think. Our car is a 2008 S550 with ADS and also driven no more than 1200 miles a year. This will be my first time I've done struts on an S-Class but not the first time I've had my hands and head in everything German from fräuleins to M272 balance shafts.

Thanks!



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doni01

iTrader: (1)

I would pass but if you don't mind doing the work more then once then go for it since they are luck of the draw ...

Ultrakla$$ic

https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...ew-struts.html


Good read here.

Baltistyle

Why not just replace the boot. These shocks are kind of easy and fast to replace so two boots would be 100 bucks and a bit of labor. If there are no leaks and the top bushings are good, no need to replace. Even top bushings may be available for your car.

long and the short of the link for arnott is buy oem if you can.

Ultrakla$$ic

How would one get the new boot only over the strut dampening reservoir since you'd have to slide the boot from the bottom of the strut upwards and the small end of the boot would have to stretch far enough to go over the reservoir?? I need to change my boots hence why I'm asking...

Baltistyle

https://www.auto-rubbers.com/page/4/?s=W221

These people should be able to help. My first guess would be stretching. Last boots I got for w220 abc,although different, were very pliable.

as I have not taken a pair of the shocks off of a 221, I would wonder if that module unscrews from the lower tube or if it’s welded on.

The site I linked if you’ve not seen it before has tons of parts for Mercedes suspension.

Uranium238

Boots require separation of the air spring from the shock. Naturally deteriorated rubber is a sign of age and should be treated similar to a ruptured profilactic....'cause when the rubber breaks, you're dead. I see rebuilds directly from MB dealers are a reasonable $500-$600 range not including core.

Will go the Genuine MB rebuild route.

Chachd72

I replaced all 4 original struts with Arnott's one year ago and have regretted it ever since. One of the replacement struts was bad and had to be replaced so I was out the extra labor cost in addition to the inconvenience. The ride quality is not the same as the OEM units. I also replaced the valve unit and compressor with Arnott parts. The valve body went bad after 8 months which caused the compressor to overheat and fail. All were replaced by Arnott but again I was out the labor cost and not having use of my car for a couple of weeks while going through the warranty replacement process. I have NOTHING good to say about Arnotts!!!

doni01

iTrader: (1)

Smart move

Senecat

If the boot has failed, the bag won't be far behind. A new dust boot is not the solution. As far as manufacturer, that's subjective. I don't drive my 221 but maybe 2kmi/yr, and it just sits in the garage (bad also, I know), and I do all my own work, so I don't mind experimenting a little.

I heard @John E has some experience replacing 221 struts and might be willing to cut you a deal on the labor

MBCO

I replaced my front passenger side with MB OEM parts at my trusted Indy for $1880 for the part plus labor. I asked about Arnott and he said they quit putting them on cars 3 years ago due to customer complaints and warranty issues. One of the owners was driving his Sclass with Arnotts and blew one while driving to Las Vegas. That was it at their shop.

JohnLane

I’m not a fan of Arnott’s products.

cruiser02

Arnott USED to be good, now not so much.