SL/R230: R230 Rear ABC Strut Replacement Question
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SL500 R230 2002
R230 Rear ABC Strut Replacement Question
Hi everyone
I’m a long time lurker on here but only just posting for the first time.
I’m currently replacing the rear suspension units on my 2002 SL500 and have come across a number of issues but I’ve finally managed to remove the driver’s side strut. Unfortunately the ‘quick disconnect’ wouldn’t let go but I did find that it rotated. In fact it rotated so much that I managed to unscrew the whole thing from the elbow on the ABC line. Obviously this means that the connector is still attached to the strut.
So I have two questions which I’m hoping someone can help me with.
1. is it possible to buy the quick connector part from Mercedes (I have no idea of a part number..)
2. assuming that the very rusty quick release will separate from the strut, does anyone have a tried and trusted method? after 20 years of British roads it seems unwilling but I may be doing something wrong.
Any advice gratefully accepted.
Thanks
Chris
I’m a long time lurker on here but only just posting for the first time.
I’m currently replacing the rear suspension units on my 2002 SL500 and have come across a number of issues but I’ve finally managed to remove the driver’s side strut. Unfortunately the ‘quick disconnect’ wouldn’t let go but I did find that it rotated. In fact it rotated so much that I managed to unscrew the whole thing from the elbow on the ABC line. Obviously this means that the connector is still attached to the strut.
So I have two questions which I’m hoping someone can help me with.
1. is it possible to buy the quick connector part from Mercedes (I have no idea of a part number..)
2. assuming that the very rusty quick release will separate from the strut, does anyone have a tried and trusted method? after 20 years of British roads it seems unwilling but I may be doing something wrong.
Any advice gratefully accepted.
Thanks
Chris
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Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Welwyn, Herts, UK
2006 S600
It's a terrible piece of design.
You just need a lot of patience to gradually work the collar backwards and forwards, a micron at a time to begin with, then more and more.
You get there eventually, but it sucks.
Nick
You just need a lot of patience to gradually work the collar backwards and forwards, a micron at a time to begin with, then more and more.
You get there eventually, but it sucks.
Nick
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Joined: Sep 2007
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95 SL600
Yes they probably made it a quick connect expecting problems with the struts, but forgot to make it stainless steel. With all of the heated washer fluid containers and headlight sprayers on these cars, I would expect them to be driven in the winter. These fittings and the ABC lines are summer only construction. Penetration oil and movement will be your best bet, just take caution with the line going into the strut.
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From: Gretna, NE
'03 SL55 Black, '03 SL500's Aegean, Mars Red, Tazanite, Alabaster, '11 S550 Flint Gray
That connector has enough rust that I would be concerned about the rest of the strut line, it might be a good idea to just replace it. Mercedes just sells the male part of the coupler with the strut and the female part with the line.
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SL500 R230 2002
Update.
Well I have now replaced the rear RHS strut so I’m halfway there. I used the slow and easy method, spray, tap, try to turn repeat as necessary and it released.
the other side should be a breeze now I know what to do 😂
Thanks to all for your comments.
Well I have now replaced the rear RHS strut so I’m halfway there. I used the slow and easy method, spray, tap, try to turn repeat as necessary and it released.
the other side should be a breeze now I know what to do 😂
Thanks to all for your comments.
