SL55 front struts
Discussion
Was thinking of selling my car so took it down to MB for an MOT and look over- low and behold it needs new front struts to pass- expensive I'm told. Anyone had these replaced ? What did they cost ? Thinking I may sell without getting the work/ Mot done and adjust the price accordingly
The struts are quite easy to change, just expensive to buy. Is the air strut shock knackered or are the joint bushes just worn?
If the joints are worn you may be able to get them repaired. I've read these folks in Liverpool do a decent job. www.balljointrestorers.co.uk
If the struts need replacing, Arnott Industries in the USA have a very good reputation for re-manufactured units. They do ship internationally, but I've heard they want a larger deposit as some international customers have not bothered to pay the cost of shipping the old units back after fitting the new ones. www.arnottindustries.com
Bear in mind that Airmatic struts are model specific, and left and right handed. If you google 'airmatic problems' you will find a wealth of information on the subject in Mercedes specific websites.
If the joints are worn you may be able to get them repaired. I've read these folks in Liverpool do a decent job. www.balljointrestorers.co.uk
If the struts need replacing, Arnott Industries in the USA have a very good reputation for re-manufactured units. They do ship internationally, but I've heard they want a larger deposit as some international customers have not bothered to pay the cost of shipping the old units back after fitting the new ones. www.arnottindustries.com
Bear in mind that Airmatic struts are model specific, and left and right handed. If you google 'airmatic problems' you will find a wealth of information on the subject in Mercedes specific websites.
The SL55 AMG has ABC suspension & these are fluid filled struts that are all linked together & controlled by a high pressure pump that also controls the PAS (power assisted steering) system. Usually the reason for failure of the Mot is due to the ball joint that is part of the strut & is the lower fixing point of the strut wears & has excessive play. You have 2 choices either replace the strut with a new or second hand unit or have the strut overhauled & the lower ball joint reconditioned. Follow the link provided:
http://www.4wheelalignment.co.uk/
If you type in sl55 strut in the search bar on the pistonheads forum you'll find a title:
Sl55 ball joint repair @ www.4wheelalignment.co.uk
Open up the topic & it shows the repair. I've had this repair carried out to a customers car i've worked on & it seemed to be a very good job & its been a probably about a year now & i've not heard of any problems. The only downside is the car will be stuck on a ramp or axle stands for a few days whilst you wait for the repair to be carried out, but its a huge cost saving over buying a new strut.
Hope this helps & good luck with whatever you decide.
http://www.4wheelalignment.co.uk/
If you type in sl55 strut in the search bar on the pistonheads forum you'll find a title:
Sl55 ball joint repair @ www.4wheelalignment.co.uk
Open up the topic & it shows the repair. I've had this repair carried out to a customers car i've worked on & it seemed to be a very good job & its been a probably about a year now & i've not heard of any problems. The only downside is the car will be stuck on a ramp or axle stands for a few days whilst you wait for the repair to be carried out, but its a huge cost saving over buying a new strut.
Hope this helps & good luck with whatever you decide.
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