SL/R129: Anybody rebuild their own hydraulic cylinders?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 55
Likes: 3
'96 SL500 Sport
Anybody rebuild their own hydraulic cylinders?
I talked to Rob at Top Hydraulics today concerning the leak I have to see if he could shed some light on what's leaking. I still have to track down exactly where it's coming from. He really suggested rebuilding all 12 cylinders since one has started to leak.
After watching a couple videos, I think I can rebuild them myself. It's just a matter of changing a couple of seals in each and being careful about it.
I'm really good with my hands and have been working on my own cars for nearly 40 years.
I found seal kits on line for $275. Really expensive for seals, but half of what I would pay to have it done.
Anybody rebuild their own?
After watching a couple videos, I think I can rebuild them myself. It's just a matter of changing a couple of seals in each and being careful about it.
I'm really good with my hands and have been working on my own cars for nearly 40 years.
I found seal kits on line for $275. Really expensive for seals, but half of what I would pay to have it done.
Anybody rebuild their own?
Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 127
Likes: 1
From: Philadelphia
1996 SL500, 2008 R350 4Matic
Don't bother those seal kits are usually crap and from all accounts a true pain in the butt to do unless you have the proper tools and some experience to boot. It's possible when one starts leaking the others aren't far behind, but if it were me I would replace them in pairs.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 55
Likes: 3
'96 SL500 Sport
Thanks for the input Pete. I have to take care of the leak right away, but I think it makes sense to rebuild them all due to their age. Top Hydraulics gives you a break on price if they do the whole set ($110 savings).
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 598
Likes: 19
From: Eastern Kansas
94 SL 600, 98 993, 89 XJS Conv., 85 Daimlier Princess 16 Hybrid Lincoln 16 Chevy crewcab
Klaus has made me an advocate for his skills. Two issues would be my points. since the shaft, if nicked, bent or mis aligned will cause future problems. and because TopHydraulics has a more durable material ( seals) than the standard benz product. I could not produce a better product, even with a John Deere hydraulics expert friend... So I took them all off and within three days had them all back.
Now dropping a bolt into a body panel! well, we all learn from every experience!
Good luck with your project. In my book $ is easier than time!
Now dropping a bolt into a body panel! well, we all learn from every experience!
Good luck with your project. In my book $ is easier than time!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 55
Likes: 3
'96 SL500 Sport
Sounds like good advice- thanks.
Funny though, no fluid had been leaking the last few days.
If it continues not to leak, I'm going to wait until just before I put it away for the winter and then take them all out and send them in to Klaus as you suggested. If I see any leaks sooner, I'll just do it then.
Funny though, no fluid had been leaking the last few days.
If it continues not to leak, I'm going to wait until just before I put it away for the winter and then take them all out and send them in to Klaus as you suggested. If I see any leaks sooner, I'll just do it then.
