SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Need to replace right front ABC Strut boot
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Seattle WA
Birel Shifter,2003 Ferrari ,1992 Mercedes 500E,Superformance Cobra,2005 SL55, 2004 996tt X50 PCCB
Need to replace right front ABC Strut boot
Hello All,
My 2005 SL55 is up on the rack while I install my PLM heat exchanger and Johnson pump and I noticed several tears in the ABC Strut boot. I have access to the clamp/crimp tool so it seems logical to simply slip on a new one aslong as everything is exposed.Been searching parts suppliers online over the weekend but have not tried the dealer yet. A friend that was an MB Tech says that they are not available as a separate piece.
Any advise or ideas?
Thanks!!
My 2005 SL55 is up on the rack while I install my PLM heat exchanger and Johnson pump and I noticed several tears in the ABC Strut boot. I have access to the clamp/crimp tool so it seems logical to simply slip on a new one aslong as everything is exposed.Been searching parts suppliers online over the weekend but have not tried the dealer yet. A friend that was an MB Tech says that they are not available as a separate piece.
Any advise or ideas?
Thanks!!
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
SL55 AMG
strut boot
Hi there,
I have an '03 and assume it is the same boot, and found the same thing. Local dealership says you must buy the entire strut for $2,000! Are they serious? No freaking way. Problem is that it is difficult to get measurements of any sort on universal boots and I want it to look right. Did you find a solution? Would you mind sharing? Thanks!
I have an '03 and assume it is the same boot, and found the same thing. Local dealership says you must buy the entire strut for $2,000! Are they serious? No freaking way. Problem is that it is difficult to get measurements of any sort on universal boots and I want it to look right. Did you find a solution? Would you mind sharing? Thanks!
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
SL55 AMG
That is insane. My strut is perfectly fine...only the boot is damaged. I found rebuilt entire struts for about $500 but again...that is insane as well considering I ONLY NEED THE BOOT! Someone in this forum has to know the manufacturer for Mercedes don't they?
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
SL55 AMG
Don't know if anyone cares...but if you find a hole in your strut boot, I found an inexpensive fix (as opposed to buying an entirely new strut!). Take the strut off, remove the strut boot and clean the rubber extremely well with acetone in the area to be repaired. Then...get an innertube from a mountain bike or even a ten speed (must be real rubber), and cut it open. It didn't require too much heat to somewhat soften and flatten the material (iron and wax paper so as not to **** the wife off), and then found an industrial rubber adhesive at hardware store...stuff is like superglue for rubber and very much like contact cement. Apply to both surfaces, allow to dry. Apply again to both surfaced and place in contact while still tacky...apply pressure and presto....cheap fix. I used shoe goo over all edges to give an even better chance of lasting and to be honest, it seems like its going to hold quite well. Time will tell....but if nothing else, I'm keeping moisture and road grime off of and out of my strut to lengthen its life. If I have to replace it...at least it will be further down the road. 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,284
Likes: 37
From: North Carolina
2003 S500 - Toyota Corolla (in the rain)
@Imawreck. Realize this is an old thread but how did your fix work out for you. Would like to know for future reference since I have ABC struts on my car. I see where they sell a boot repair kit for the Airmatic system. I wonder if it would work on a ABC strut.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Seattle WA
Birel Shifter,2003 Ferrari ,1992 Mercedes 500E,Superformance Cobra,2005 SL55, 2004 996tt X50 PCCB
A friend that is a MB tech did a replacement strut on someone elses car and saved the boot from the old strut for me, got lucky as I have never found a replacement source.
Trending Topics
Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 168
Likes: 3
2005 SL65
I looked the world over, and found no one that will sell just the boot.
drives me nuts. There are company's that rebuild the struts. During the rebuild they replace the boot with new. But no one will sell just the boot.
I even tried rebuilders in China.
For now I used the Shoe Goo inner tube method. Seems to work but I know it is just kicking the can down the road.
drives me nuts. There are company's that rebuild the struts. During the rebuild they replace the boot with new. But no one will sell just the boot.
I even tried rebuilders in China.
For now I used the Shoe Goo inner tube method. Seems to work but I know it is just kicking the can down the road.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,284
Likes: 37
From: North Carolina
2003 S500 - Toyota Corolla (in the rain)
I see that they sell just he boot for the airmatic shocks for around $60. I'm going to buy one just to see if I can make some modifications and have it fit the ABC shock. The boot in the picture certainly looks the same as the one on my car. CODE 487 is the ABC and I assume the picture on the left is Airmatic. For $60 I'll give it a shot.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 487
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina, US
'06 E500, '99 ML430 and '07 SL65
When you say that 'they' sell the boot for $60, who are 'they'? I am looking for the boot as well so if you have a source I would very much like to who.
BTW, the spring to left is just a simple coil-over not airmatic.
The thing is that you can but the boot for an R-231. I am not sure how much it costs but the P/N is A 231 327 00 92.
BTW, the spring to left is just a simple coil-over not airmatic.
The thing is that you can but the boot for an R-231. I am not sure how much it costs but the P/N is A 231 327 00 92.
Last edited by sgaar; Jan 22, 2015 at 01:59 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,284
Likes: 37
From: North Carolina
2003 S500 - Toyota Corolla (in the rain)
Sqaar, I looked at the part number on my S500 which has the ABC suspension and it is 220 327 02 92. Using that number I did several searches and came up with the following information. I figured if the thing has a part number then somewhere in this world there must be a manufacturer. Here is the link I found with the part. http://www.kakapart.com/products/5273577-1757859.html
It is a company in China. I tried several methods to contact them but none worked. I finally contacted the company directly and am waiting on a response. I will keep you posted.
Using your part number on the same website it came up with this. http://www.kakapart.com/search/defau...0327%2000%2092
It is a company in China. I tried several methods to contact them but none worked. I finally contacted the company directly and am waiting on a response. I will keep you posted.
Using your part number on the same website it came up with this. http://www.kakapart.com/search/defau...0327%2000%2092
Last edited by ibeforreal; Jan 22, 2015 at 02:29 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 314
Likes: 1
From: Malibu, Ca
SL65, 427 COBRA (CSX-3127)73 911S, 246GTS (DINO SPYDER), CORNICHE,1962 PORSCHE TWIN GRILLE ROADSTER+
Other Shock MFG Like Bilstein,Koni,Boge or Off Road shocks might have a boot.
It will take time and experimentation to find the best match. But it is definitely possible because lots of other shock companies use Rubber Boots as well as the guys with Off Road shocks.
It could be a boot off of a 1991 Suburu Outback is similar or maybe the rubber boot from a John Deere tractor?
I have a spare set of SL65 Struts that I just measured. The outer diameter of the boot is 115mm(4.5 inches) and the length was about 275mm (11 inches)
I just did a google search for 100mm Shock Boot and this came up on Amazon for $10... It is 22.5 inches x 4.5 inches which seems like it could be close??? Maybe even one could be cut and used for both sides??
(Left Front Shock Absorber Boot Dust Cover Bellows Replacement 51403-SNA-903
by Amico Price: $10.10 & FREE Shipping on orders over $35.)
I am not sure this will work but it only took 2 minutes to find and at $10 it could be worth a try???
It could be a boot off of a 1991 Suburu Outback is similar or maybe the rubber boot from a John Deere tractor?
I have a spare set of SL65 Struts that I just measured. The outer diameter of the boot is 115mm(4.5 inches) and the length was about 275mm (11 inches)
I just did a google search for 100mm Shock Boot and this came up on Amazon for $10... It is 22.5 inches x 4.5 inches which seems like it could be close??? Maybe even one could be cut and used for both sides??
(Left Front Shock Absorber Boot Dust Cover Bellows Replacement 51403-SNA-903
by Amico Price: $10.10 & FREE Shipping on orders over $35.)
I am not sure this will work but it only took 2 minutes to find and at $10 it could be worth a try???
Last edited by EXECMALIBU; Jan 22, 2015 at 11:02 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 16
Likes: 2
2007 SL550
Hello, please find the info on strut boot replacements here:
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...ml#post7199395
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...ml#post7199395
Junior Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 19
Likes: 1
From: New Hampshire
2003 SL500 (sold), 2008 SL 550, 2009 CLK350
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 448
Likes: 48
From: Europe, but from Norway
89 SL500 Silver ,97 SL500 Carlsson 04 Mercedes SL55 AMG , 07 Mercedes SL55 AMG convertedBlack series
Hello All,
My 2005 SL55 is up on the rack while I install my PLM heat exchanger and Johnson pump and I noticed several tears in the ABC Strut boot. I have access to the clamp/crimp tool so it seems logical to simply slip on a new one aslong as everything is exposed.Been searching parts suppliers online over the weekend but have not tried the dealer yet. A friend that was an MB Tech says that they are not available as a separate piece.
Any advise or ideas?
Thanks!!
My 2005 SL55 is up on the rack while I install my PLM heat exchanger and Johnson pump and I noticed several tears in the ABC Strut boot. I have access to the clamp/crimp tool so it seems logical to simply slip on a new one aslong as everything is exposed.Been searching parts suppliers online over the weekend but have not tried the dealer yet. A friend that was an MB Tech says that they are not available as a separate piece.
Any advise or ideas?
Thanks!!
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 448
Likes: 48
From: Europe, but from Norway
89 SL500 Silver ,97 SL500 Carlsson 04 Mercedes SL55 AMG , 07 Mercedes SL55 AMG convertedBlack series
I see that they sell just he boot for the airmatic shocks for around $60. I'm going to buy one just to see if I can make some modifications and have it fit the ABC shock. The boot in the picture certainly looks the same as the one on my car. CODE 487 is the ABC and I assume the picture on the left is Airmatic. For $60 I'll give it a shot.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
E450 Wagon, SL55
Strut dust shields for my 05 SL 55
Heres a screenshot of my conversation with the supplier on eBay dont have any experience with this yet but Ive confirm twice with them but these will do the trick Im going to order them and install them
Ill report my resultsFrom vendor.........
Hi there，thank you for your message.
Yes, these dust shields fit the front and rear struts for a 2005 SL 55 with ABC suspension.
hope to hearing from you again.
Best regards,
AirsusfatNew message from: ykauto001 (53
Good afternoon, will these dust shields fit the front and rear struts for a 2005 SL 55, with ABC suspension?
Please let me know
201-406-9371
Michael.schaible@lee-associates.comYour previous message
Buy it now Price: $97.20 Buy it now Watchers: 4
Quantity Remaining: 2
Located: guangzhou, 广东省, 中國 Member since: Dec 30, 2019 Positive Feedback: 100%
From vendor.........
Hi there，thank you for your message.
Yes, these dust shields fit the front and rear struts for a 2005 SL 55 with ABC suspension.
hope to hearing from you again.
Best regards,
Airsusfat
New message from: ykauto001 (53
)
Good afternoon, will these dust shields fit the front and rear struts for a 2005 SL 55, with ABC suspension?
Please let me know
201-406-9371
Michael.schaible@lee-associates.comYour previous message
R230 Shock Dust Cover for Mercedes ABC SL550 SL63 AMG Front Rear Hydraulic US
Buy it now Price: $97.20 Buy it now Watchers: 4
Quantity Remaining: 2
Located: guangzhou, 广东省, 中國 Member since: Dec 30, 2019 Positive Feedback: 100%
Get to know the seller ykauto001
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 448
Likes: 48
From: Europe, but from Norway
89 SL500 Silver ,97 SL500 Carlsson 04 Mercedes SL55 AMG , 07 Mercedes SL55 AMG convertedBlack series
Heres a screenshot of my conversation with the supplier on eBay dont have any experience with this yet but Ive confirm twice with them but these will do the trick Im going to order them and install them
Ill report my results
Hi there，thank you for your message.
Yes, these dust shields fit the front and rear struts for a 2005 SL 55 with ABC suspension.
hope to hearing from you again.
Best regards,
AirsusfatNew message from: ykauto001 (53
Good afternoon, will these dust shields fit the front and rear struts for a 2005 SL 55, with ABC suspension?
Please let me know
201-406-9371
Michael.schaible@lee-associates.comYour previous message
Buy it now Price: $97.20 Buy it now Watchers: 4
Quantity Remaining: 2
Located: guangzhou, 广东省, 中國 Member since: Dec 30, 2019 Positive Feedback: 100%
From vendor.........
Hi there，thank you for your message.
Yes, these dust shields fit the front and rear struts for a 2005 SL 55 with ABC suspension.
hope to hearing from you again.
Best regards,
Airsusfat
New message from: ykauto001 (53)
Good afternoon, will these dust shields fit the front and rear struts for a 2005 SL 55, with ABC suspension?
Please let me know
201-406-9371
Michael.schaible@lee-associates.comYour previous message
R230 Shock Dust Cover for Mercedes ABC SL550 SL63 AMG Front Rear Hydraulic US
Buy it now Price: $97.20 Buy it now Watchers: 4
Quantity Remaining: 2
Located: guangzhou, 广东省, 中國 Member since: Dec 30, 2019 Positive Feedback: 100%
