R171 SLK Boot separator catch not releasing

[Blobcat]

Recently the right side catch on the boot separator hasn’t been moving when pulling the central handle.

B/H today so upside down in the boot to take a look at what wasn’t working.

2 x T20 Torx screws and a trim tool to pop the cover off underneath the handle.

Left side looking good



Right side - if you look closely you can see both a crack and a stress fracture in the plastic arm



Removed the T20 torx screw and the cable



I’ve got it sat glueing now, I think I’m going to need a replacement though as it takes quite a lot of force. I wonder if the part is available on its own… or do I need a full boot separator?

 

[AndySlade]

Can you get someone to 3D print one for you? most be some clever persons on the forum? Failing that could you make one from from aluminium, does not seem all that involved and could be achieved with hand tools and pillar drill.

Might be able to use old motorcycle or bicycle brake lever as starting point for cable connection

 

[Chrishazle]

Surreptitious trip to local breaker with the trim tool and T20 torx screwdriver in pocket......

 

[Blobcat]

Surreptitious trip to local breaker with the trim tool and T20 torx screwdriver in pocket......

Or a meet-up…

 

[Blobcat]

Can you get someone to 3D print one for you? most be some clever persons on the forum? Failing that could you make one from from aluminium, does not seem all that involved and could be achieved with hand tools and pillar drill.

Might be able to use old motorcycle or bicycle brake lever as starting point for cable connection

I’ve some (W) Tungsten as well as (CuCrZr) Copper Chromium Zirconium powder at work for 3D printing….

 

[Chrishazle]

Or a meet-up…

If and when we meet I'll be watching you like a hawk!!

 

[mioba]

Good work finding the issue. Has it got a MB pn on it? Did you look at the various lists online, my gut says not available seperate.
The above suggestion for a breakers is best. Alt look on ebay at cars being broken.
Good luck

 

[Blobcat]

Good work finding the issue. Has it got a MB pn on it? Did you look at the various lists online, my gut says not available seperate.
The above suggestion for a breakers is best. Alt look on ebay at cars being broken.
Good luck

It’s not available separately - it’s the whole separator unfortunately.
I’ve a few ideas to strengthen it if the glue isn’t sufficient.
3d printing appears to be a common fix looking on the web

 

[peterws1957]

It’s not available separately - it’s the whole separator unfortunately.
I’ve a few ideas to strengthen it if the glue isn’t sufficient.
3d printing appears to be a common fix looking on the web

JB Weld epoxy should fix that. I've found the standard stuff better than JB Kwik Weld. A penny type washer added for strength? Good bit of diagnostic by the way!

 

[Blobcat]

Not finished it yet but my modifications are underway



I need to grind off a small part of a web on the separator lid due to slightly increased overall diameter. I’m also going to get some JB Weld as per @peterws1957 above then reassemble it all and see how it goes

 

[Wighty]

Did you have any relatives on Apollo 13 buddy . Good job .

 

[Blobcat]

Did you have any relatives on Apollo 13 buddy . Good job .

Don’t think so… although @V6Matty might need to check his plumbing for leaks…

 

[AndySlade]

Don’t think so… although @V6Matty might need to check his plumbing for leaks…

Surprised you have not added a central phosphor-bronze bearing yet Blobcat!

Are you doing other side whilst you are in full DIY mode?

 

[Blobcat]

Surprised you have not added a central phosphor-bronze bearing yet Blobcat!

Are you doing other side whilst you are in full DIY mode?

There‘s a very good chance I’ll strengthen the left hand side once I’ve got the right one as I want it. Prevention is better than cure

I’m thinking ceramic bearings rather than a bush…

 

[V6Matty]

Don’t think so… although @V6Matty might need to check his plumbing for leaks…

I wondered why things had gone downhill again since your last visit

 

[Blobcat]

Epoxy welded it then ran a drill through it, filed it flat and removed the extra glue from the screw countersink. All refitted and lubricated, working great again.

 

[Mike Stocks]

Solved the problem with boot release catches for boot cover. Saw a 3d image on line, and found a company that 3d printed these boot catchs. It cost me £45 for 4 sets (right and left hand sides) of catchs delivered. My first set have been installed for 6 weeks, and mechanism is working perfectly, saves paying MB a fortune for a new boot cover assembly. The company that 3d printed the catchs, have the 3d images on file, and can print these parts and deliver in 5 days.
If you need any further information, email me on …

 

[SLK171]

Hi
I really need a set of these making. Any chance you could share the files or details of the 3d printing company please?
TIA

 

[Blobcat]

Hi
I really need a set of these making. Any chance you could share the files or details of the 3d printing company please?
TIA

Hello and welcome,

They only posted once and not been back.

Could you not repair them same as I did?

My repair is still perfect over a year later

 

[SLK171]

Hi. Happy to try anything. What size copper bit did you use?

PS I work in Grange Moor - small world.