Sl 320 door metal fatigue

[pardre]

Hi I have a year 2000 SL320 129 shape The drivers door around the check strap has split in two places .It has never been damaged before, anybody else had this problem ?. I have recently submitted a claim to MB not sure if it will be honoured

 

[Dieselman]

Have there been any cracking noises as the door opens and shuts. If the check strap becomes stiff or jams it will eventually split the door.

 

[pardre]

Hi The check strap seems to work ok but tension on metal when opening creates a cracking noise

 

[stats007]

Can't say I've ever heard of this - someone let the door open in the wind at some point?

 

[pardre]

Hi not to my knowledge but yes that might buckle it but not split it I guess

 

[BTB 500]

Possibly a bad check strap had been flexing the door when opened/closed and this caused fatigue cracking.

 

[Dieselman]

Hi The check strap seems to work ok but tension on metal when opening creates a cracking noise

Did the cracking come before the split.?
I had this on a new Volvo and it split the door, requiring replacement under warranty.

 

[franey]

I had exactly the same on my old 99 SL320
The checkstrap is the fault, it deteriorates over time and then causes stress on the metal. I took mine to MB at York who submitted a claim which was sadly rejected on a full MB service history with 52k on the clock.
I ended up getting it welded at a bodyshop and repainted but it was fine after that.

 

[bolide]

The check straps seize up and start flexing the door as you open & close it. Often the mounting ears on the check strap that sit flush to the door shear off and the check strap body starts floating about

A graunching noise means check your check straps... I also always check the mounting bolts on the door. If they're loose I get suspicious that the check strap is seizing

£15 from Mercedes

Nick Froome
*****************

 

[BTB 500]

I had the driver's door check strap replaced on mine at about 48k miles, when it started groaning a bit.