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Well the SL got harsh going over paint stripes on the road, so it must be time for new rear hydraulic spheres.
I recently helped a member out with a SL600 suspension question and he offered something for my time, I said I had to replace my rear spheres and I wouldn't say no to picking up the cost of one sphere. Thanks.
I went with Cortico this time as the last time (2019) I went with Febi and they didn't last the usual 6 years. Here's my account of changing out the spheres last time.
I didn't provide any shots last time, so here are a few.
Trunk contents removed as well as the spare. First I got to attack the spheres from below before jumping in the trunk to fish out the spheres. This is the most athletic part of the fix.
Passenger side sphere with 11mm flare nut wrench still attached. The big nut take a 17mm flare wrench. the 3 hold down nuts are 10mm. Anyone can change this sphere.
Ahh, the driver's side. God bless the resonator delete pipe as it can stay put for this fix. You still have to separate the muffler and drop the driver's cross brace for access.
The spheres came on Saturday and I changed them out on Sunday. It took 4 hours with no issues other than me being 64. I used up the last of my MB organic ZHM oil and filled the rest of the reservoir with Pentosin CHF 11S synthetic. The Pentosin has a slightly blue color rather than just clear. I don't know if I would use this stuff for the top hydraulics because of the color.
Sure enough the old spheres were Febi, but the date of manufacture was 2017 which is 6 years. I guess they lasted 6 years, but on a technicality. I can't remember where I got the Febi's from, but I guess it pays to ask what their date of manufacture is before ordering. The new Corticos have a 2022 datestamp.
I suppose everybody learns something new every day.
From FCP Euro's site.
Pentosin CHF 11S is a synthetic high performance hydraulic fluid for lifetime application in modern vehicle aggregates. Pentosin CHF 11S is especially designed for hydraulics in the automotive industry with the highest technical requirements such as in: power steering, level control, shock absorber, hydro-pneumatic suspension, stability and traction control, hydraulics for convertible tops, central lock systems, etc. It is suitable for all extreme conditions and guarantees full performance from -40°C to over 130°C system temperature.
The fluid I used came from a MB can that I got from the dealership, probably from my last sphere change in 2019.
Says what it is used for right on the side.
This is the MB part number and just under that it says Pentosin CHF 11S.
If this stuff is good enough for MB, I suppose it's good enough for me and my 97 SL600.
This is the MB part number and just under that it says Pentosin CHF 11S.
If this stuff is good enough for MB, I suppose it's good enough for me and my 97 SL600.
Yea, and some diesel run with salad oil while others just die with the same stuff.
Thats why MB defines very precisely which oil belongs to which system (and in your case even write the part # on the oil tank)
Last edited by Frank_S500; Apr 18, 2023 at 06:27 PM.
As this stuff has been in my ADSII system since 2019 with no adverse effects, I'll let folks know how it's going from time to time.
As a side note, I've replaced the ADSII valve block (due to wiring degradation), the top O-ring seals on the front struts, the rear "shocks" (due to bushing wear), the front level sensor (it did get a lot of water splash before I adapted a right side lower engine cover), the big crossover hose that mounts to the oil pan and the 2 stage power steering pump. Oh, I almost forgot, I also replaced the 2 capacitors on the ADSII module in the electronics box.
When I installed the new hydraulic shocks in the rear, I enhanced the lower bushing protection by using heim joint weather shields.
And you are not alone, others are doing exactly the same. What do you expect from using an unapproved oil with different properties? It doesn't seem to last longer, otherwise they wouldn't break so quickly again.
As this stuff has been in my ADSII system since 2019 with no adverse effects, I'll let folks know how it's going from time to time.
Alright, we are observing and i have my popcorn at hand. ;-)
Regarding ADS II, thanks but i feel comfortable with what i know, so no questions.
Btw, did you check and replace the most likely brittle/hard rubber mounts at the level linkages already?
(the are supposed to have a dampening function while measuring the height)
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