Recommedation on96 SL500- Replacing Top Hydraulic Ram Lifting Cylinders

[jdonnee]

Turns out my one of my rear hydraulic lifting cylinder on the left side is gushing fluid. This is not the big cylinder but one that sits up above it. When I raised the top to the position where the hard tonneau cover hatch opened, I could see that it was leaking from only the left side. Not the big one- and seeping on one of the smaller hydraulic cylinders.

My local MB independent is suggesting that I replace all four of the small cylinders. He says that if I replace one, the pressure will cause all the other three to leak heavily.

What experience do any of you have if you replace only one of the leaking cylinders. He wants $1,800 to replace all four.

[sokoloff]

On our SLK's those cylinders are rebuildable or at least a couple of guys have come up with kits to rebuild them. Cost to rebuilt them all is under $30. I wouldn't be surprised if someone has come up with something similar for the SL, but you would have to look. Maybe your SL might even use the same parts as used on the SLK?

[bobterry99]

Originally Posted by jdonnee

My local MB independent is suggesting that I replace all four of the small cylinders. He says that if I replace one, the pressure will cause all the other three to leak heavily.

If you follow this logic, then you should replace/rebuild every cylinder in the system.

There are in fact eight small cylinders, not four.

My advice is to send only the the affected cylinder to Dennis Ficken in Olathe Kansas for a $40 rebuild.