Kent's Factory Service Manuals collection is going on sale now. CLICK HERE.
When replacing the front struts ( shock absorbers ) on a W201 W124 or some W129 chassis it is frustrating and time-consuming trying to remove and replace the big 22 mm top nut on the front struts ( shocks ).
Over the years Kent has used a number of different things to place on top his jack stands to prevent damage and for added security. He has even tried some of the commercially available jack stand plastic covers. Nothing has proven to work better than the special cut reinforced hose shown here.
In this video Kent will demonstrate how to replace the REAR shocks in the chassis mentioned above. He will do this on the ground on his W124 coupe using a floor jack, jack stands, and hand tools.
In this video Kent will demonstrate how to replace the FRONT shocks in the chassis mentioned above. He will do this on the ground using a floor jack, jack stands, and hand tools.
This 16 page PDF downloadable SLS manual was written specifically for 123 300TD wagon owners, but also applies to the models mentioned above, 300TDs from 1979-1985 and other chassis above up to 1990.
Flushes Out Old Grease and Repacks Bearings with Less Mess. This Handy Packer works on bearings up to 3 1/2" O.D.
In this 20-minute instructional video, Kent will show you the steps on how you can replace the "hidden bushing" in the rear control arm by yourself without having to take the control arm off the car.
This is a short addendum to the full instructions on resealing an SLS hydraulic pump. This will now be included with the reseal kit. Disregard the old method mentioned elsewhere
Here is my all-time favorite gasket maker and sealant. You may already know how I feel about RTV silicone products (I think they should be outlawed!). We have had a number of our customers ask us where to get this so we decided to offer it on our website.
In this video, Kent will show you how he fixed his leaking tires on his chrome alloy wheels by using Miracle Paint. This is a full 22-minute step-by-step instructional video. Watch the video "trailer" below to give you a better understanding of what is involved in this procedure.
This will hold the top of the strut and keep it from turning when removing and installing the 22mm nut.
Socket is now black (impact grade). This is a tool that Kent first thought about making 20 years ago. While installing shock absorbers in his 380SL he had finally had enough - so it was back to the machine shop to come up with a new tool.
This video will cover the use of my custom plastic tool to safely remove the steel center section for the outside aluminum housing with rebuilding your older style SLS ( Self Leveling Suspension) hydraulic pump. No other instructions included here.
In this video, Kent explains the correct procedure for cleaning and lubricating your hubs and rear brake rotor BEFORE you install your wheels. He hardly ever sees this done when removing wheels on 15 plus-year-old Mercedes so he knows it is almost ALWAYS neglected.
PLEASE NOTE: These are not complete instructions on how to open up an early style SLS pump and properly reseal it. Rather, these are some tips that will make the job go faster and easier. These are things Kent has learned rebuilding a number of these pumps himself.
I do not need to say much about this tool. Well made and well thought out. Someone who obviously was frustrated at scratching the finish on his or her alloy wheels came up with this idea. Watch the video below to see why this is now my favorite go it 17 mm lug bolt socket.
This U.S.A. made 17 mm 8 inch long combination wrench is custom modified here in our shop to help you easily install Bilstein front and rear shocks on most of the older model Mercedes Benz.
In this video instruction, Kent will demonstrate how to check for one possible source of a mysterious front end clunking sound. Any clunking noise you hear when driving over rough ground or when braking should be investigated immediately.
In this long video manual Kent will walk you step-by-step through the process of removing the older square style leveling valve from your Mercedes, opening it up without losing the spring and balls, removing the old o-rings and cleaning the parts properly, installing the new o-rings, and putting
This video instruction will walk you through the step-by-step procedure of how to do a "service" on your power steering system.
PLEASE NOTE: UPS GROUND SHIPPING ONLY. Sorry, no postal, expedited or international shipping. This is a highly neglected maintenance item on older Mercedes Benz. If you want to prolong the life of your steering box and power steering pump here's how.
New O.E. filter as shown. See related products for fluid and flushing instructions. This is VERY easy to inspect and change yourself.
This instructional video covers the procedure for flushing the old hydraulic fluid out of an SLS system and installing new fluid. The example shown in this video is from a W126 560SEC.
This is a very high quality finish wrench set. The 13mm combination wrench that is 8 inches long. The 17mm has a ratcheting box end great for alternators, bumpers, etc. and is 11 inches long. The 18mm for 1996+ models is also 11 inches long.
Brand new rear end differential front seal. Fits both gas and diesel models. This is NOT the seal for the axles.
Every one of these pumps I have ever seen needs resealing. The seals and o-rings become just too hard over all those years of use. This is the most complete SLS (self-leveling suspension) pump overhaul kit on the market today.
If you own a 123 wagon or other Mercedes with self-leveling suspension, you will be faced someday with having to replace the main high-pressure hydraulic hose that goes from the engine-driven pump to a metal line fitting routed back to the rear suspension.
Dont neglect this service as many do! I recommend the hydraulic fluid and filter be changed every 30,000 miles. You would not believe how many SLS vehicles I have seen with dirty hydraulic fluid - I mean nasty! Sometimes I have even found engine oil in the system!
There are two gas filled accumulators of this style under the rear of the 1979 to 1991 123 300TD wagons, 201 190E 16v and 126 560SEL sedan and 560SEC coupes with self leveling rear suspension ( SLS ).
SLS low pressure hose from bottom of reservoir tank to the engine driven pump. Includes 1 meter of heavy duty fuel hose that holds up better to the hydraulic fuel than the old style original braided hose.
If you have any Mercedes model with hydraulic self leveling suspension from the early 70's up to the early 1990's this is the correct fluid to use. High quality Meyle or Febi Bilstein product. Any other type of fluid can damage the seals and score your pump.