2 Rusty Looking Diagonal Struts Going Across the Underneath of SLK.

[miurasv]

Was looking underneath the 98 SLK I'm driving at the moment and there are 2 diagonal struts going acroos the underneath of the car which seem to start from underneath the boot area and forward diagonally which look very rusty. What are these struts? Are they prone to rust and are they expensive to replace? It makes me worry about the rest of the underneath of the car. Do early SLK require much attention underneath? The car has 44k miles and has been serviced every year at a Mercedes Main Dealer. There was no advisories on the last MOT in February other than the front discs being very slightly worn.

 

[dragon]

If I will you I will paint it to avoid further rust, Merc parts are never cheap, the earlier you buy its, it more likely they can supply, it comes from Germany and may take a week.

 

[television]

On a warm day, its worth Waxoiling the underside,,better than paint easy to spray on,,well worth doing

 

[colechelle]

Both held on with 2 star bolts, remove bolts, clean them up and paint them with smooth-rite, they stop the chassis flex when the roof is down!!!

 

[miurasv]

Both held on with 2 star bolts, remove bolts, clean them up and paint them with smooth-rite, they stop the chassis flex when the roof is down!!!

Thanks very much for your replies. Just had another look and there are 2 other diagonal struts starting around the centre of the car which look rusty but not as bad as the other two, which if you pick them with your fingers, rust which looks like mud, comes off in your hands. I suspect they are too far gone to clean up and paint. I wonder how much they cost?

 

[colechelle]

heavy duty metal there, would think with a good power tool and some effort there clean up!!!

 

[miurasv]

This is one of the 4 struts. Called my local MB Dealership and was given a price of £17 plus VAT for each strut so not expensive. However their labour rate of £100 plus VAT is.

 

[colechelle]

thats cheap, for that price its worth renewing them, easy to replace, as said before only two bolts on each!!

 

[dragon]

Don't jack your wheel too high as the windscreen may crack, not as rigid as I thought.

If you look at a Z3/4 they are located above the engine.

 

[miurasv]

Don't jack your wheel too high as the windscreen may crack, not as rigid as I thought.

If you look at a Z3/4 they are located above the engine.

Sorry, I don't understand. Are you referring to my car in particular after seeing the pic or SLK's in general?

 

[dragon]

slk in general, the only support is the floor pan and those struts. Even though you put back the hard top roof and doors itsd don't lend any support. The boot got no support as it opens both ends.