I've noticed hardly no or very little conversation on this MB club forum about this, whereas on other similar sites it has been comprehensively covered - don't know why that should be - especially since it is an absolute essential to be aware of as this repair will save thousands of pounds if you happen to fail your MOT for the sake of a couple of ball joints.
As you know - ball joints fail and relatively often. The average ball joint costs around £60+ each to replace and refit. This is for normal cars. The SL55 ABC suspension is different. £2000+ different in that the ball joint housing is welded to the lower front hydraulic strut. Why? Some twisted sick MB design engineer decided to make it this way so he could have the last laugh - methinks!
So I put the car in for an MoT last week and the specialist tells me that my ball joints are worn and need replacing. 2 x front struts with new ball joints attached: £1069 plus vat each.
Options:
1. Pay up (£2400 plus labour) cos you can!
2. Order american refurbs @ roughly £500 each plus £100 shipping plus a week longer in the garage.
3. Use: https://www.facebook.com/4wheelalignmentcentre
This guy (Phil) is based in Bootle, nr Liverpool. He has been doing these for several years, offers a 12 month guarantee and hasn't had anyone come back to complain, to date. He has been accredited by VOSA, so the repair is authentic and safe. Cost: If you post your struts to him, he will refurbish them and send them back within 24 - 36 hrs for a flat fee of £250 for both inc packaging. If you visit locally it's obviously cheaper! The refurb arrangement includes removing all the slack with the polymer resin injected into the unit using a unique device and a grease nipple is fitted which is greased every service (A or B) to make it last years (remember the old ball joints on that old car you had?)..
Good service by the south african and the workshop is immaculate. I had mine done within the space of 4 hours.
Hope the moderators don't mind the next bit but I believe this is essential reading if you wish to shave thousands off your (possible) next MoT!!!
ABC Shock absorbers - removal, refitting and ball-joint repair - Mercedes-Benz Owners' Forums
Apologies if this link is unsuitable.
As you know - ball joints fail and relatively often. The average ball joint costs around £60+ each to replace and refit. This is for normal cars. The SL55 ABC suspension is different. £2000+ different in that the ball joint housing is welded to the lower front hydraulic strut. Why? Some twisted sick MB design engineer decided to make it this way so he could have the last laugh - methinks!
So I put the car in for an MoT last week and the specialist tells me that my ball joints are worn and need replacing. 2 x front struts with new ball joints attached: £1069 plus vat each.
Options:
1. Pay up (£2400 plus labour) cos you can!
2. Order american refurbs @ roughly £500 each plus £100 shipping plus a week longer in the garage.
3. Use: https://www.facebook.com/4wheelalignmentcentre
This guy (Phil) is based in Bootle, nr Liverpool. He has been doing these for several years, offers a 12 month guarantee and hasn't had anyone come back to complain, to date. He has been accredited by VOSA, so the repair is authentic and safe. Cost: If you post your struts to him, he will refurbish them and send them back within 24 - 36 hrs for a flat fee of £250 for both inc packaging. If you visit locally it's obviously cheaper! The refurb arrangement includes removing all the slack with the polymer resin injected into the unit using a unique device and a grease nipple is fitted which is greased every service (A or B) to make it last years (remember the old ball joints on that old car you had?)..
Good service by the south african and the workshop is immaculate. I had mine done within the space of 4 hours.
Hope the moderators don't mind the next bit but I believe this is essential reading if you wish to shave thousands off your (possible) next MoT!!!
ABC Shock absorbers - removal, refitting and ball-joint repair - Mercedes-Benz Owners' Forums
Apologies if this link is unsuitable.
