The SLS shocks on my 123 wagon are leaking severely (520K, bumpy roads, and heavy loads). I ordered a re-seal kit on eBay. Apparently, it has the required o-rings to rebuild the shocks. I know Mercedes says the shocks are not re-buildable, but I figure it is worth a try. The eBay seller has some directions, but they seem pretty vague. Has anyone out there successfully rebuilt these shocks? It would be helpful to have directions and advice, beyond what the eBay seller has before I get started.

Thanks in advance.

__________________
1980 300TD with 1985 300TD Turbo motor and 240D 4 speed.

Before rebuilding your shock check if your accumulators aren't broken. A broken accumulator can cause the shocks to leak due to over pressure spikes when going over bumps

They can be rebuilt. There’s links and threads out there. I have a set from the 450SEL 6.9 HPN system which are probably about the same as the SLS from W123 wagon. I have successfully taken one apart and verified the O-rings and nylon scrappers and re-assembly is pretty straight forward. Making a jig to hold the shock is optimal

I haven't seen the kits for this, but about ten years ago, I had the SLS struts on my 300TDT rebuilt by a professional hydraulics shop. They worked.. The shop was able to find new o-rings, but not new scrapers. They also honed the cylinders. The hardest problem was finding gaiters that could replace the originals. Do the kits come with those?

Accuulators are pretty fresh, maybe 3 or 4 years old. When they went bad the ride was terrible and I am sure the shocks had some pressure spikes. However the leaking has only recently become an issue.

__________________
1980 300TD with 1985 300TD Turbo motor and 240D 4 speed.

I have looked around a bit and have not found a good thread. Would you mind adding a link?

__________________
1980 300TD with 1985 300TD Turbo motor and 240D 4 speed.

Unfortunately no gaitors. Just o-rings. I think I am going to try to use a universal boot of some kind.

__________________
1980 300TD with 1985 300TD Turbo motor and 240D 4 speed.

I ended up using a pair of these:


Search For 099520 | BDS Suspension (bds-suspension.com)


The fit isn't great, and they look awful. But if you position them just right, they work.

MY wagon's previous owner gave up on the wagon OEM hyd suspension complexity and had a shop put in strong springs. He was pleased as am I with excellent handling and plenty of load capacity. It drives every bit as good as my 85 300D. KISS!

I know a lot of people have done that. I am curious what springs you have. I am using springs from a 1982 300SD. They have a higher spring rate and are a similar length to the original wagon springs. With the SD springs, the car is nice and level even without the sls system working... as long as it is not loaded. However, I frequently carry heavy loads or pull a trailer with some tung weight. The sls is very helpful. I am all about keeping things simple, but I am not ready to scrap the sls yet. It is a system that is worth keeping.

__________________
1980 300TD with 1985 300TD Turbo motor and 240D 4 speed.

It's a shame that you cannot buy these new anymore. Mercedes will change that if enough people use their demand based request tool to remanufacture NLA parts. Three simple steps:

1) Click this link: https://partssearch.mercedes-benz-classic.com/parts/demand

2) Enter your part number. For example, enter A1158350207 for the W115 heater blower motor

3) Then, email: bernick.alvarez@mbusa.com with your part request. He will be able to push for this part's remanufacture as well.

__________________
Why I will never do business with "DieselKraut" again

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-benz-used-parts-sale-wanted/378935-why-i-will-never-do-business-dieselkraut-again.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmBoUtdLbm4

__________________
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...aman/Fleet.jpg

Peach Parts W124.128 User Group.

80 280SL
85 300SD
87 300TD
92 300D 2.5 Turbo
92 300TE 4Matic

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VLlv0u1NKg

__________________
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/l...aman/Fleet.jpg

Peach Parts W124.128 User Group.

80 280SL
85 300SD
87 300TD
92 300D 2.5 Turbo
92 300TE 4Matic

I am happy to report the SLS shock rebuild is good. The directions that came with the o-rings from eBay are clear. This is a good option if you have leaking shocks and don't want to spend $$$.

__________________
1980 300TD with 1985 300TD Turbo motor and 240D 4 speed.

Can you please post the link to the rebuild kit for the struts? I've tried to find online and have been unsuccessful. Even the vague instructions could help