ABC strut rebuild with new seals

[remlucs]

Has anyone here attempted to rebuild an ABC strut with the replacement seal kits being advertised online (link below) ?

I am tempted to buy a set as as have a 3 old struts removed from my 2002 SL55 some years back, when they started to leak, and am tempted to sacrifice one to see if the rebuild is DIY able. The 4th unit that was not changed is now sagging and needs attention.

Keen to get any advice if anyone has tried it, I will take lots of pics and write it up if I do it and it works.

Dichtsatz ABC Fahrwerk Federbein SL R230 Hinten Mercedes Benz

shop.rscauto.de

Simon

 

[alexanderfoti]

Unfortunately not, but if you proceed, please let us know how it goes.

 

[LostKiwi]

@ajlsl600 dismantled one of my old ones. I believe he had to make some special tools to get it apart.
Once apart we never bothered to rebuild it.

 

[mioba]

Is that because he butchered it beyond being repairable. We have all been there!

 

[LostKiwi]

Is that because he butchered it beyond being repairable. We have all been there!

No it was because the failure wasn't hydraulic. The alloy spring seat had broken and I already had fitted my spare strut. It was taken apart from curiousity.

 

[00slk]

Good luck with that!

 

[ajlsl600]

I don't do butchery. It was about could it be done. Without wrecking the strut. And it can. And can old ball joint come out without destroying the seat, and it can, likewise can sensor come out without damage, and it can.
Issue at time, ball joint, was avail from German source. So if one can get the parts, at?? Cost. The strut is rebuild able
I had to machine up 2 parts to enable the dismantling and tho I pressed out the ball joint with 10 tonne press. I would say better with 15-20 tonne.

 

[brandwooddixon]

I had to machine up 2 parts to enable the dismantling and tho I pressed out the ball joint with 10 tonne press. I would say better with 15-20 tonne.

So possible if you have the equipment, but probably not for the average DIYer.
I also suspect that if the unit leaks due to dirt ingress damaging seals then it may not be repairable without regrinding the piston if it is scratched.

 

[ajlsl600]

If it needs more than seals. O rings and or ball joint ur done
Think Craig has info on where 2 get alibarbar struts that, by all accounts are OK.
Frankly I would ha v 1 go at a re seal and then just replace the strut. It's time consuming, fidly and if any metal components damaged a waste of time, effort. Not to mention cost of in strut sensor.??

 

[Conor]

If it needs more than seals. O rings and or ball joint ur done
Think Craig has info on where 2 get alibarbar struts that, by all accounts are OK.
Frankly I would ha v 1 go at a re seal and then just replace the strut. It's time consuming, fidly and if any metal components damaged a waste of time, effort. Not to mention cost of in strut sensor.??

Interesting you mention that "cheap site" .. I posted on an Irish enthusiast group querying how far people have tested them out.. some lads have done all manner of things with parts from there. One lad totally rebuilt the head of a motorbike and was fine.. among many other things.

I'd be very tempted to try out a significant part in the future some time to see what gives.. a strut could be a good one... however, I will draw the line at pistons or a cylinder liner lol.

@remlucs you can add me to the list of people waiting with bated breath to see how this goes for you? Would be interested to open it up anyway and see what the failure point is.. I doubt there is much data and what the common failure point is i.e. seals or metal parts BC/AJSL600 discovered.

 

[dannyfiveforty]

Can I ask, seems like the right thread. What nm should this bolt be after remanufacture?

Thanks

 

[Conor]

Sorry for hijacking the thread OP.

But @ajlsl600 mind me asking about the process of doing the ball joints in a bit more detail?

I bought a set of balljoints from the states (cheaper than germany) and have yet to replace them. I was thinking, no, hoping...! It would be as easy as using a hydraulic press and some impact sockets to press.

Maybe if something is machined, you can share a little more detail so I don't butcher my strut? I know a machinist who would be able to help.

Many thanks.

 

[ajlsl600]

Is the outer sides of Yr new ball joint splined all around?

 

[Conor]

Is the outer sides of Yr new ball joint splined all around?

This is what I bought and they would appear to be splined.

Whats the significance of that ?

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class AMG R230 2003-2006 Front Left or Right New ABC Suspension Strut Ball Joint (2303331327)

Find amazing deals on Mercedes-Benz SL-Class AMG R230 2003-2006 Front NEW ABC Suspension Strut Ball Joint . Order today and receive Fast Delivery and Discounted Prices!

rebuildmastertech.com

 

[LostKiwi]

As I understand it the ball joint presses out but won't be easy to do.
The side away from the nut has a flange to limit position when refitting.

 

[ajlsl600]

The splines are a radial grip. U need at least 10 tonne, better 20 to shift it I made up a round sleeve to press joint out.
Memory says u cut a bit out of the side of sleeve so it can sit level when you press it out. Was some time ago!! More than 6 Yr.