mbtech208

If you have an earlier 129, or one that's getting up there in mileage, make sure you take a good look at the front shock tower top mounts. If they show any signs of splitting or cracking, replace them. If ignored, eventually the mount will fail and the shock will come shooting up and hitting the hood, probably denting it and possibly penetrating it. Either way, not good, and very expensive.

pngreene

Thanks for the info! My 1991 500sl has been making clanking noises under the hood...I checked it out and appears that their are metal stops located to keep the top of the shock from flying out....is this a shock or strut assembly in there? My rubber surround is completely cracked on one side and cracking on the other...is it possible to just buy the tops?

Thanks!

-Patrick Greene

pngreene

I forgot to ask....do I need a spring compressor if I do this myself, or is it a simple replcement?
-Patrick

mbtech208

It's a very easy do-it-yourself job. No spring compressor is needed. The rubber top mounts are available seperately. First, remove the shock absorber, then remove the metal bracket on top of the rubber mount. The rubber itself is held in by three nuts. Once the nuts are removed, the mount comes out from the bottom.

pngreene

thanks! i am going to pick up the parts and I will let you know how it goes this weekend....you saved me some cash for sure...

i do have another question on the topics of 129s....this car also has no vacuum power in any of the locks or other vacuum assisted devices like the vent in dash redirection, etc.

the vacuum pump does make the hum noise when the remote is activated however...i traced the main lines under the rear covers and didnt find any obvious leaks..but i am beginning to suspect that the pump itself is not functioning properly....i would also suspect (based upon my other MBZs vacuum leaks) that if it was just leaking somewhere, that i would get some vacuum action somewhere...i get nil.....

your opinion?

thanks for your help!

someday i will get this beast back to normal....happy holidays..!

-Patrick

pngreene

replaced the bad shock mount this weekend....only took 30 minutes! thanks again for the help.......

jsap

I know this thread is 3 years old, but I recently got a 1997 R129, and have noticed the strut mounts are cracked. I'd like to replace them myself, so (before having gotten any parts for it yet) I tried to get the mount off to see if I could do it, but tur nut wouldn't come off the top. Any step by step guide would be appreciated, as Alldata is rather sparse on this matter....

Thanks!

jsap

Well, I kinda think I've got it figured out. No need to take off the struts first, right? Just keep the wheel unweighted, loosed the nut while holding down the allen wrench....

But, I was going to get the mounts from www.discountmbparts.com, and had two questions:

1) Is it OEM, or should I buy from the dealer?

2) They offer two types: each for self-leveling and non-self-leveling. So, do I have self-leveling struts in the front? I had my wife sit on the front with the ignition on, and the car went down 1 inch and didn't come back up.... Either it's not functioning, or I don't have it....

Thanks

sl3204me

I took my 1995SL320 into 911 Ent today and they discovered that my loose steering was actually due to cracked top shock mounts.I am having them replaced today.MB mechanic said this is a common problem and very costly if not taken care of.Also make sure that you check the rear differential fluid.MB tend to seep differential fluid.Damage can result if the fluid is not kept at proper levels.

jsap

Thanks,

But do ALL 97 SL500's have the limited slip diff? I noticed that the fluid necessary is different depending on whether it is limited slip or not....

Thanks!