SL/R230: Struts...OEM or A/M?
10-27-2018, 03:49 PM
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Struts...OEM or A/M?
Hey guys...
Forgive my naivety with regards to my questions...I'm only 1 year into my '09 SL550, and am running into my first wear-n-tear replacement.
The driver's front strut needs replacing due to the attached ball-joint being bad. My first instinct is to go OEM...simply because this isn't just an economy 4-banger. I tend to lean towards the 'you get out of it what you put into it' line of thinking. However, after a bit of searching, both on-line and off...my only success has been in acquiring a moderate migraine. Please feel free to correct me for any incorrect statements I make...again I'm a n00b1e! Here are my findings & questions..
1-Being non-sport pkg ABC...do I need to replace both fronts? I only ask because with standard struts, there 'typically' is no electronic/hydro/pneumo height control and when one side is bad, you need to start with a pair so that they both have the same tension/height. (not really a big ?...will probably replace both anyway)
2-New OEM from the stealership are typically, of-course, the most expensive...yet I am told only have a 12-month, 12k warranty. Many aftermarket and reman/refurb struts come with longer if not lifetime warranties. Being a summer only car...I'm lucky if I put 3-4k on her per year, so 12k is wasted in the first year alone.
3-Is strut replacement on these 'reasonably' straight-forward (DIY), or is it overly complex due to ABC requiring tech replacement?
Anyone's experience is appreciated.
Thanks guys...
Peace!
Forgive my naivety with regards to my questions...I'm only 1 year into my '09 SL550, and am running into my first wear-n-tear replacement.
The driver's front strut needs replacing due to the attached ball-joint being bad. My first instinct is to go OEM...simply because this isn't just an economy 4-banger. I tend to lean towards the 'you get out of it what you put into it' line of thinking. However, after a bit of searching, both on-line and off...my only success has been in acquiring a moderate migraine. Please feel free to correct me for any incorrect statements I make...again I'm a n00b1e! Here are my findings & questions..
1-Being non-sport pkg ABC...do I need to replace both fronts? I only ask because with standard struts, there 'typically' is no electronic/hydro/pneumo height control and when one side is bad, you need to start with a pair so that they both have the same tension/height. (not really a big ?...will probably replace both anyway)
2-New OEM from the stealership are typically, of-course, the most expensive...yet I am told only have a 12-month, 12k warranty. Many aftermarket and reman/refurb struts come with longer if not lifetime warranties. Being a summer only car...I'm lucky if I put 3-4k on her per year, so 12k is wasted in the first year alone.
3-Is strut replacement on these 'reasonably' straight-forward (DIY), or is it overly complex due to ABC requiring tech replacement?
Anyone's experience is appreciated.
Thanks guys...
Peace!
11-14-2018, 04:05 AM
#2
Junior Member
1. Well, you don't need to replace two at the same time. One will be ok. ABC will do the rest.
3. It's completely straightforward if you have tools and manual, which Arnott has posted on their Youtube channel
But after replacing the strut you should do the rodeo test to get air out of the system, which is possible only with diagnostic tools. If you don't have it, you can put car up and down 10-15 times, this should help. But I am not 100% shure that this is 100% replacement to rodeo.
3. It's completely straightforward if you have tools and manual, which Arnott has posted on their Youtube channel
But after replacing the strut you should do the rodeo test to get air out of the system, which is possible only with diagnostic tools. If you don't have it, you can put car up and down 10-15 times, this should help. But I am not 100% shure that this is 100% replacement to rodeo.
The following users liked this post:
arnottdoug (11-14-2018)
11-14-2018, 10:23 AM
#3
Super Member
I'll add the Arnott struts have a lifetime warranty for the owner. Buy the strut you need, send your old one back for free. Level 3 out of 10 DIY. Have fun!
The following users liked this post:
arnottdoug (11-14-2018)
11-20-2018, 09:59 PM
#4
Sutcharles
2006 sl500. Just converted to 4 strutmasters coil overs....handling, ride, my wallet and peace of mind!!
Last edited by sutcharles; 11-20-2018 at 10:00 PM. Reason: Name
