SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Where to buy Front Struts and More?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 274
Likes: 22
From: Rocky Mountains, Colorado
Just sold my '11 Porsche TurboS cab for an '03 SL55!
Where to buy Front Struts and More?
I'm a Newbie here, so thanks in advance for any help.
One of my front struts is weeping on my newly acquired '03 SL55 that has 73k miles. They appear to be original to the car. I have several questions that the SL55 community might be able to help me with.
This is a pretty rough driver so I'm trying to keep my costs down and perfection isn't required. Also, I do my own work so labor efficiency isn't too critical either.
Questions:
One of my front struts is weeping on my newly acquired '03 SL55 that has 73k miles. They appear to be original to the car. I have several questions that the SL55 community might be able to help me with.
This is a pretty rough driver so I'm trying to keep my costs down and perfection isn't required. Also, I do my own work so labor efficiency isn't too critical either.
Questions:
- Is it terribly unadvisable to replace just the one strut? If I did this I'd probably pick up a used unit off eBay or similar.
- Or should I replace the front pair and if so, should consider a used pair, or go for overhauled units?
- Can I buy overhauled units and what's my best source? It possible to pull my pair and send them for an overhaul shop if that's feasible.
- The ABC just got a new pump and flush and the fluid is good. So it seems like I'd want to re-bleed the system and then when its all normal, I'd change the filter. Sound ok?
- NOTE: I'll likely change 1 or more of the accumulators at the same time. All 4 likely original to the car as well, so it seems I should do all 4 because at least one is shot so the others aren't far behind.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,057
Likes: 341
From: NJ
2009 SL63 AMG
I'm a Newbie here, so thanks in advance for any help.
One of my front struts is weeping on my newly acquired '03 SL55 that has 73k miles. They appear to be original to the car. I have several questions that the SL55 community might be able to help me with.
This is a pretty rough driver so I'm trying to keep my costs down and perfection isn't required. Also, I do my own work so labor efficiency isn't too critical either.
Questions:
One of my front struts is weeping on my newly acquired '03 SL55 that has 73k miles. They appear to be original to the car. I have several questions that the SL55 community might be able to help me with.
This is a pretty rough driver so I'm trying to keep my costs down and perfection isn't required. Also, I do my own work so labor efficiency isn't too critical either.
Questions:
- Is it terribly unadvisable to replace just the one strut? If I did this I'd probably pick up a used unit off eBay or similar.
- Or should I replace the front pair and if so, should consider a used pair, or go for overhauled units?
- Can I buy overhauled units and what's my best source? It possible to pull my pair and send them for an overhaul shop if that's feasible.
- The ABC just got a new pump and flush and the fluid is good. So it seems like I'd want to re-bleed the system and then when its all normal, I'd change the filter. Sound ok?
- NOTE: I'll likely change 1 or more of the accumulators at the same time. All 4 likely original to the car as well, so it seems I should do all 4 because at least one is shot so the others aren't far behind.
1. It's not ideal, but it will get your car sorted.
2. The rebuild route has inconsistent quality, so YMMV.
3. Potential Source: https://rebuildmastertech.com/merced...bc-suspension/
4. I'd follow whatever procedure WIS outlines. You can purchase it from eManualOnline (I paid ~$50 for the complete Mercedes one).
5. Correct reasoning. If possible, change all of them at the same time.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 274
Likes: 22
From: Rocky Mountains, Colorado
Just sold my '11 Porsche TurboS cab for an '03 SL55!
Thx HLG600
Thank you HLG600. Great input and much appreciate the strut rebuild source.
I note for others, this strut repair source does not offer a core exchange for the SL55/65 AMG front struts, AND that the address leaks and ball joints but exclude other items........which is less expensive than the remans we see and is a good fit for my situation/needs. Also, the offer 1-2 day turn around (plus shipping 2 ways) so lily a week or so, also pretty good.
I note for others, this strut repair source does not offer a core exchange for the SL55/65 AMG front struts, AND that the address leaks and ball joints but exclude other items........which is less expensive than the remans we see and is a good fit for my situation/needs. Also, the offer 1-2 day turn around (plus shipping 2 ways) so lily a week or so, also pretty good.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 23
Likes: 4
From: Surprise AZ
AMG GTS, SL55, S560, GLC43
I would buy Arnott Struts
https://www.arnottindustries.com/pro...bc-sl55-65-amg
https://www.arnottindustries.com/pro...bc-sl55-65-amg
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,361
Likes: 229
SL55, S500
I would buy Arnott Struts
https://www.arnottindustries.com/pro...bc-sl55-65-amg
https://www.arnottindustries.com/pro...bc-sl55-65-amg
