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  #1  
Old 11-09-2012, 07:05 AM
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Leaky Rear Bumper Shock

A few days ago, I started noticing an oily puddle on my garage floor under the back of my 380sl. As it looked like brake fluid, I thought it could have been coming from the rear brake lines, which I replaced this spring. But the lines were dry.

Turns out the left, rear, bumper, shock absorber was leaking, and it doesn't look too hard to replace. But it apparently isn't easy to find a used one, and new ones are kind of expensive. So, I'm debating whether to replace it or not?

Has anybody else here had this happen, and, if so, how hard was it too replace. Also, if anybody happens to have a used one they'd like to sell, please P.M. me.

Thanks in advance.

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  #2  
Old 11-09-2012, 08:03 AM
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pm sent.
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  #3  
Old 11-09-2012, 08:38 AM
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I don't think that these leak on their own. I wonder if you got hit in the parking lot or something and didn't know it.

Note that 85+ models (including the 85 380SL) have slightly SHORTER bumper shocks than earlier models.
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Old 11-10-2012, 08:49 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Strife View Post
I don't think that these leak on their own. I wonder if you got hit in the parking lot or something and didn't know it. Note that 85+ models (including the 85 380SL) have slightly SHORTER bumper shocks than earlier models.

It's certainly possible, which is why I usually park as far away as i can from other people. But, as soon as I do, some guy with some beater inevitably ends up parking right next to me Thanks for pointing out the difference between the earlier and later 107's. I'll keep that in mind.
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Old 11-13-2012, 12:32 AM
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The 85 and 86+ models have shorter bumper shocks that IMO really make a difference in appearance - they are worth about 2" in length. You can't see concrete when you look down between the rubber skirts and bumpers. Yet, the side rubber pieces are exactly the same length (same P/N) as the earlier models. I think the US laws were relaxed to 2.5 MPH those years. They make these bumpers as inoffensive to the eye as possible. Too bad that they are about $800 a set to replace!
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  #6  
Old 11-13-2012, 06:13 AM
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Well, I hate to admit it, but I think I know why the left, rear bumper shock started leaking. I was sitting on it when I recently replaced my antenna, and the pressure must have deformed the 30 yr old seal.

Oh, well. I've learned to live with the fact that if it's not one thing with these cars, it's always somethin' else.

BTW, Strife, as I long as I have your attention, maybe you, or someone else, can answer a question I have about the relationship the O2 sensor and idle speed that I posted in another thread?

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