Is there a product to 'feed' the numerous rubber suspension & drivtrain parts that seem to dry & crack. I once heard that Germany is not famous for their rubber quality, which may explain
at least some of the leaking problems that have been posted. I've been using a Meguire's product on the window gaskets hoping to avoid leak there. And then there's the door gaskets etc. etc. The more you look the more rubber you find!

What do you call guys that use old german rubber?

Actually, MB uses natural rubber compounds farmed from rubber trees instead of synthethic junk..... its higher quality, oil and heat resistant.

Most of the major components - engine mounts, suspension bushings should be on everybody's list of items to retorque at least each couple of years.... so they dont get lose and shake themselves to bits.

Still, a very good question - Is there rubber lube product that can prevent drying out of window seals, etc??

German rubber isn't nearly the quality that Japanese rubber is, at least for longevity anyway. Japanese 0rings last forever (like the valve cover seal -- ever see a japo car leaking oil around the valve cover? NOT!

German 0-rings are shot every time you take one off, it breaks into bits.

Armour all or any other silicone spray will help considerably, as will vinyl preservers -- they keep some of the UV out of the rubber so it doesn't depolymerize.

Best treatment is to wipe everything rubber down with silicone spray each oil change, including heater and radiator hoses. They last longer that way.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

parents

My window seals, engine gaskets etc. are in great shape, the only window seal that's cracked is the windsheild, which was replaced at some point.

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83 240D four bagger stick diesel 276K