SL/R231: 2013 SL63 ABC front strut boot split - replace in situ?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 4
From: Ferndown, Dorset, UK
SL63 PP (231), KIA EV6 GTlineS
2013 SL63 ABC front strut boot split - replace in situ?
Just had my 2013 SL63 serviced and ABC filter changed/fluid flushed.
In the health check, the Tech noted that the front ABC strut boot was split.
Given that the struts are expensive, I think it makes sense to replace the boot to keep road crap out.
I’d rather not disconnect the ABC line to completely remove the strut as its all just been serviced.
Looking at WIS, I’m wondering if its possible to replace the boot by unbolting the lower strut fixing, disconnecting the spring control arm and loosening the top strut bolts.
This should allow the old boot to be slid downwards off the strut and the new one installed by reversing the process.
Just wondered if anyone has tried this or if I’ve missed something obvious which will cause a problem?
Any comments or advice would be appreciated.
Russ
In the health check, the Tech noted that the front ABC strut boot was split.
Given that the struts are expensive, I think it makes sense to replace the boot to keep road crap out.
I’d rather not disconnect the ABC line to completely remove the strut as its all just been serviced.
Looking at WIS, I’m wondering if its possible to replace the boot by unbolting the lower strut fixing, disconnecting the spring control arm and loosening the top strut bolts.
This should allow the old boot to be slid downwards off the strut and the new one installed by reversing the process.
Just wondered if anyone has tried this or if I’ve missed something obvious which will cause a problem?
Any comments or advice would be appreciated.
Russ
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 2,334
Likes: 1,225
From: Baltimore County, MD
'13 s212 63 p30. '06 LX470
When I replaced a boot on a 220, I slide it on from the bottom, and while it was tight, it was easy enough. I think it would be hard to do by yourself if you disconnected it from the top and bottom because something needs to hold the shock while you slide it on. Make sure to get the “zipties” off and oriented correctly. Try to find a boot that has the same indentations on the collars.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 1,419
Likes: 739
From: Nor-Cal
2020 GLC300 -2014 Sl550 - 1997 SL600
Looks like the boot is available separately, that's good news. 
I'm sure you already know this, but might as well mention it for folks searching in the future...
Torque everything loaded and at ride height, and blue Loctite. WIS mentions some one time use fasteners involved.
I believe you should be able to sneak the dust boots in. Probably want to check the alignment after the work is complete.
Keep us posted.
Good Luck!
I'm sure you already know this, but might as well mention it for folks searching in the future...
Torque everything loaded and at ride height, and blue Loctite. WIS mentions some one time use fasteners involved.
I believe you should be able to sneak the dust boots in. Probably want to check the alignment after the work is complete.
Keep us posted.
Good Luck!
Last edited by crconsulting; May 2, 2025 at 01:00 PM.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 4
From: Ferndown, Dorset, UK
SL63 PP (231), KIA EV6 GTlineS
Thanks for the replies and advice.
I was planning to only loosen the top strut fixing so I could wiggle the strut around if necessary,
Boots are available from both Merc and aftermarket so getting the parts will be no problem.
Not sure if I will need to de-pressurise the system but its easy if so.
I'll take some photos as I'm pretty sure this is a common issue.
I was planning to only loosen the top strut fixing so I could wiggle the strut around if necessary,
Boots are available from both Merc and aftermarket so getting the parts will be no problem.
Not sure if I will need to de-pressurise the system but its easy if so.
I'll take some photos as I'm pretty sure this is a common issue.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 2,334
Likes: 1,225
From: Baltimore County, MD
'13 s212 63 p30. '06 LX470
Once you get the boot, if the narrow side of the boot is at the bottom, you have to install from the bottom because you won’t get that over the top of the shock, the mounting plate or spring.
The tip is to lower the car so the shock is fully retracted and turn off the ABC and then turn off the car. Because the fluid goes back into the reservoir once the car turns off, the shock can move. You could pull the fuse for the pump to stop that from happening. Without opening the bleed valve on the line, it is impossible to compress that shock by hand while working on it like a normal strut. I haven’t done this car, but I did fully rebuild a 220 55 abc system so got some good experience.
The tip is to lower the car so the shock is fully retracted and turn off the ABC and then turn off the car. Because the fluid goes back into the reservoir once the car turns off, the shock can move. You could pull the fuse for the pump to stop that from happening. Without opening the bleed valve on the line, it is impossible to compress that shock by hand while working on it like a normal strut. I haven’t done this car, but I did fully rebuild a 220 55 abc system so got some good experience.
Last edited by Baltistyle; May 3, 2025 at 07:25 PM.
