I feel dumb asking this question, but what is this hose? It looks like it is coming off a mechanical coolant pump. It's a braided hose and definitely needs to be replaced. Here are three pics, I drew on the first pic to show where it's coming from. It looks like it's going to the bottom of the SLS tank... What is it, and how should I go about replacing it?

Thanks!

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Looks like the main vacuum lines to me, the red arrow seems to point at your vacuum pump. If it's cracked and your vacuum system/SLS etc works fine it could be the line where the pump pushes out the air.

Regards,

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Tomas, Sweden
1966 Mercedes Benz 230S with OM617.912, automatic. Disk brakes from W108
1983 Mercedes Benz 300TD grey, OM617.912 and 5-speed manual
1983 Mercedes Benz 300TD blue 7-seater, OM617.912 and 5-speed manual

Its the SLS hydraulic fluid line. I think its the low pressure return line but I'm not certain.

Oh, so it has that expensive hydraulic fluid in it, I definitely don't want that leaking.

In the middle pic it is the upper of the two hoses, you can see how it is disintegrating just like old injector return lines.

Has anyone replaced this before? What type of hose is the best?

Check the ends of the hose to see waht types of fittings are used.

I think (!) that the low pressure return line is just fitted over nipples on the pump and the resevoir with hose clamps to secure it. If that is true, then you just need a fuel/oil rated hose of the right length and inner diameter.

I just checked on my 84 300TD, also a fraying cloth covered line but not leaking. It is held on with hose clamps.

So, just find the right ID oil rated hose and you're all set.

If you're not planning to do a flush and filter change on the hydraulic fluid (which is not a bad idea) make sure that you catch the oil in a clean container when you remove the line.

Awesome! Thanks for the help!

I probably won't do a flush because last it was done in the shop last October when I had the nitrogen spheres replaced.

I'm getting to know my way around the engine and electrical pretty well, I think it's time I started reading up on the suspension and transmission! Again, I really appreciate the help!