Leak on SLS Hard Line

[dionphaneuf]

A while ago I installed a new SLS reservoir, filter, sticker, and replenished the fluid in the reservoir. I also replaced the braided line (114-997-04-82) going from the reservoir to the hard line that lives below the front right head light (see below picture from @RicardoD ). The old line was a bear to get off on both sides, but especially the hard line end. I'm now almost certain that in pulling it off I must have somehow knicked or gouged the hard line itself as I'm seeing a persistent weep under that part of the car.

Are there any thoughts on how to best salvage this? I suspect the damage is small. In the worst case I suppose I could cut off the offending area and re flare it but that'd be a pain. Am I crazy to think I could sand or polish the exterior to help recover the sealing surface? Obviously it's key here to take precautions and not let any metal shavings get into the system.

 

[gsxr]

Start by pinpointing the exact source of the leak. What flared connection are you referring to? If this is where a braided hose connects, it should be easy to fix. I assume you've already tightened the hose clamps and/or verified you are using the appropriate size clamps...

 

[dionphaneuf]

Followed up on this during my wfh lunch break today. Sprayed some degreaser to tidy up the area, tightened both the bottle and hardline side clamps (both kinda loose!) then wrapped some shop towels around each end and taped em in place. We’ll see if they leak at all and which side it’s coming from.

 

[daantjie]

An old school trick is to give the area in question a light dusting of baby powder. Any leak will be easy to spot after sitting overnight. Of course concur with surgically cleaning the area first.

 

[nocfn]

That may be old stuff that puked out during the process of changing the bottle. Clean it all off as suggest and make sure the connections are tight to the top (not cross threaded) and the bottom of the braided rubber. I always make those bulk hoses a bit longer than needed, the tightening of the clamp can crack the hose a bit, sometimes too quick.

 

[Ascension]

Did you have any issue sourcing the line itself? I just went through absolute HELL on the same type SLS line on my 90 300 TE. Absolutely could not get the line built locally as the fittings used are NLA. I had to pay out the nose to get one shipped from Cal to Alabama from my stealer. Should be here late this week but was not cheap. Absolutely none of the normal parts suppliers I called so much as showed this SLS line at all that runs from the pump to the right fender well just behind the wheel well. Was shell shocked this line was so blasted hard to get and expensive!!

 

[gsxr]

Did you have any issue sourcing the line itself? I just went through absolute HELL on the same type SLS line on my 90 300 TE. Absolutely could not get the line built locally as the fittings used are NLA. I had to pay out the nose to get one shipped from Cal to Alabama from my stealer. Should be here late this week but was not cheap. Absolutely none of the normal parts suppliers I called so much as showed this SLS line at all that runs from the pump to the right fender well just behind the wheel well. Was shell shocked this line was so blasted hard to get and expensive!!

You can use generic metric pipe and fittings, and custom bend a replacement. Not easy or pretty, but it works. I did this to repair a hole in a section of SLS pipe near the rear sway bar bracket about 10 years ago. You may also need a metric/ISO bubble flare tool as well. From memory, I was able to source the line (available in fixed lenghts) and fittings from the FLAPS/McParts.

 

[Ascension]

You can use generic metric pipe and fittings, and custom bend a replacement. Not easy or pretty, but it works. I did this to repair a hole in a section of SLS pipe near the rear sway bar bracket about 10 years ago. You may also need a metric/ISO bubble flare tool as well. From memory, I was able to source the line (available in fixed lenghts) and fittings from the FLAPS/McParts.

It wasn't the hard line that would have been easy it was the braided hose that runs from the pump across the front of the engine in brackets then up the passenger fender just behind the inner wheel well and attaches to the hard line. Has a banjo fitting on the pump side. Tried 4 different local hydraulic shops and no one could match it because they couldn't get the correct fittings. No parts houses we both called showed any listing for the line at all but we finally found ONE in Cal through the stealership. My old friend Phillip with Birmingham Benz and I both tried to find that blasted line and nada. One would think it wouldn't be that much a problem but---. This line had been replaced at some point before with a Gates and it was seeping badly all through the braid so had to have one. Should have finished it up today but--

 

[gsxr]

Ah, you mean a RUBBER HOSE, not a line/pipe/tube. Odd the local shops could not re-use the old fittings and install new rubber hose, but whatever.

MB Classic says that SLS hydraulic hose is available... but might have limited inventory here in the colonies. Doesn't show NLA though. $254 list, $170 discount... and no, you won't find this via aftermarket sources, unless they get one from a dealer and mark it up to $400 just for you.

Mercedes-Benz Classic Parts Search.

Browse through the Mercedes-Benz Classic Parts Search to see the availability of parts, promotional and newly manufactured parts and order them online (only in Germany).

partssearch.mercedes-benz-classic.com

124-320-87-53 - High Press.Expa MB Parts Source

Factory Direct High Press.Expa (1243208753) For Your

www.mbpartsource.com

 

[Ascension]

Ah, you mean a RUBBER HOSE, not a line/pipe/tube. Odd the local shops could not re-use the old fittings and install new rubber hose, but whatever.

MB Classic says that SLS hydraulic hose is available... but might have limited inventory here in the colonies. Doesnt show NLA though. $254 list, $170 discount... and no, you wont find this via aftermarket sources, unless they get one from a dealer and mark it up to $400 just for you.

Mercedes-Benz Classic Parts Search.

Browse through the Mercedes-Benz Classic Parts Search to see the availability of parts, promotional and newly manufactured parts and order them online (only in Germany).

partssearch.mercedes-benz-classic.com

124-320-87-53 - High Press.Expa MB Parts Source

Factory Direct High Press.Expa (1243208753) For Your

www.mbpartsource.com

View attachment 158545

Yep that's the one 47 in that diagram. Fittings were to trashed to reuse as it had been changed before and new fittings were NLA from the hose shops. My cost was between list and discount so maybe it wasn't to bad a deal after all. Thanks for this as had one heck of a time finding anything on this one!

 

[dionphaneuf]

This has been a slow leak that I've not given any attention too as a result of other issues. Someone told me to actually try sourcing a (much large) hose clamp and a hose with an ID riiiiight around the OD of the braided line to slide over the braided line. I'm skeptical this will work but may try it; along with trying to polish/sand any scratches out of the metal tube. I've not considered replacing the full hard line just yet.

It's annoying that this happened trying to fix another issue and has reminded me of the hippocratic oath of car repair: First, do no harm. Easier said than done, of course.