SL 500 2003

[Morrow]

Told I need a new bush at lower end of shock absorber. Garage enquired about part from MB and was told had to buy full new shock absorber at c£1000! Only bush faulty. Does anyone know if these can be replaced and if so where I can source a bush?
Thanks

 

[Morrow]

Sorry should have added it is front left

 

[Chrishazle]

Small bit of advice - add your approximate location to your profile, helps folk that know your area to recommend someone fairly local to you that can help you!

 

[peterws1957]

Is it not a joint rather than a bush? I'm sure these can be repaired for £100 ish rather than having the whole unit replaced. Worth doing a quick search on the forum to check.

 

[LostKiwi]

As above some idea of where you are would help.

These are not bushes - they are ball joints. According to MB they are non replaceable as a single part.
However....
here are several Indy's on the forum who can repair these either by resin injection or replacement joints.

 

[Morrow]

That's all helpful thanks including location tip. Near Olney, Bucks!

 

[wizzman]

Go on the internet. You can get a ball joint for £ 120 usually. The strut needs to be removed to allow the old one to be pressed out. Some other members prefer the other method of having resin pumped in to the worn joint to take up the play but personally I would always go for a new ball joint option. While you have the joint off, remove the plastic shroud and check/ clean / paint the strut lower housing. They are often a bit dusty inside so a thorough clean is a good idea. Not a bad job.....for an SL

 

[Morrow]

Thanks Wizzman

 

[SL63 Mark]

I had my front strut ball joints on my 2004 SL55 injected with resin by Star Motor Services in Reading, for £100 about five years ago, and still good. No trouble ever since. The garage that is advising you to spend £1,000 does not know what they are talking about.

Speak to Ian at Star, he will sort you out.

 

[Morrow]

Thanks for lead Mark

 

[LostKiwi]

Thanks for lead Mark

Another vote for Ian. Great bloke who will try to avoid your spending money unnecessarily and does a great job.
He helped me out recently with an unrelated issue on my SL and I couldn't be happier with the work he did or how he handled it.

 

[Morrow]

LostKiwi - love the name! Thanks for this