Two questions for the techs

[vinamg]

1. I'm not too sure how familiar you guys are with the internal parts of an air (smog) pump (94 S420). I need the "brushes" There are four pieces they look like small rectangular sticks. Is it possible to purchase a rebuilt kit or something? I am even toying around with the idea of fabricating them, but I'm not sure what material to use.
The dealer sells the pump as an assembly. I hate when they do that. I have a perfect pump (clutch, bearings, etc) except for worn out "brushes"

2. Anybody know if the rear self-leveling shocks (88 560SEL) can be taken apart?
I remember a thread in which somebody mentioned something about a repair, but I can't seem to find it. My friends car has a small leak but I didn't have time to examine it. It's his only transportation and I need to know if it can be repaired or if he needs new ones.

Thanks for any input.

Vinamg

[vinamg]

Hi guys,

Let me give this post another shot before it gets buried. Someone must know something about this.

Thanks,
Vinamg

[mbdoc]

SINCE there are NO replacement parts available for either repair, most technicians wouldn't even try either repair! I can understand why you are trying this but I wouldn't go to that effort when replacement parts aren't avail. The air pump is a warm-up device & doesn't do anything but help with cataylst warm-up. Maybe if you had 2 or 3 pumps to get parts from you could fix 1.

[vinamg]

Thanks for the reply M.B.DOC

I was just hoping someone out there might know of some aftermarket replacement parts.
For example, I had a problem once with my seat belt retractor system (worn out plastic gears). I was able to fabricate them with some printer gears (free) and it's been working like a charm for 3 years now. Couple months ago I read that there was a place in California which had the gears made out of aluminum ($50). Sure beats replacing the whole system, couple hundred per side.

I haven't had time to look at the self-leveling shocks. But from what you are saying I assume that they are sealed.
They will definitely have to be replaced then.

Thanks again,

Vinamg