SLK 2005 Rear subframe replacement

[PROJUMPER]

Has anyone fitted a rear subframe on a SLK?
How long did it take?
Anything to watch out for?
ETC?

 

[Cole@MBS]

Many many times!!! Straight forward nuts and bolts job, the handbrake cable clips need drilling out and refitting on the new frame with rivets! Perfect time to clean the brake pipes up once the frame is out!

 

[Uncle Benz]

Be aware it is heavy. You can’t remove the differential first because the rear mounting bolts are shrouded. If fitting a new one I paint them first as the factory paint is little more than a token gesture. Spray some cavity wax inside via the holes too. You’ll need a four wheel alignment after. Nine times out of ten the bolts are seized on the toe adjustment arms, so budget for new arms and eccentric bolts. I can swap one over in a morning, but I do have the benefit of a two post lift and a decent pit jack

 

[Roger Jackson]

My Daughter is thinking of buying a C2005 SLK... is the subframe an issue to look out for?

Also, does the R170 have the same subframe issue?

 

[Blobcat]

My Daughter is thinking of buying a C2005 SLK... is the subframe an issue to look out for?

Also, does the R170 have the same subframe issue?

R170 rust in quite a lot of places... Some R171’s have the issue others don’t. Have a look underneath when test driving

 

[Uncle Benz]

The 171 and 204 are the most common for rotting rear subframes. 170, 202 and 203 are much less affected. They changed something. I think the material is thinner.

 

[PROJUMPER]

My Daughter is thinking of buying a C2005 SLK... is the subframe an issue to look out for?

Also, does the R170 have the same subframe issue?

You can't see the area which is worst affected by rust by lying on the floor, the car needs to be on a ramp!

 

[davidsl500]

R170 rust in quite a lot of places... Some R171’s have the issue others don’t. Have a look underneath when test driving

Mr Pedantic here ; you can't look underneath when driving - unless you are driving over a camera...or you put it into drive, get out and let it run you over......

 

[Blobcat]

Mr Pedantic here ; you can't look underneath when driving - unless you are driving over a camera...or you put it into drive, get out and let it run you over......

Fair point well made, although Brian Harvey managed it...

 

[Uncle Benz]

Fair point well made, although Brian Harvey managed it...

Rest his soul, George Michael had a fair shot at it too