Monthly Archives: March 2011

How to change Mercedes SLK Boot Lid Gas Struts

I was dreading this job. I’ve owned the SLK for 5 years now and over that time the gas struts have degraded to such an extent that the boot lid would slam shut from fully open if you let go of it (and it’s heavy…)

I searched the various MB owners forums and found loads of posts saying how difficult it was and that it was a two man job (one to hold the boot lid open and force it up to relieve the tension on the strut, while the other removes and replaces said strut).

So here’s the low-down.

Firstly, move the car so that you don’t get wet (it was raining)

Next, tie boot lid to garage door using a bungie strap (now it’s a one man job!)

Mercedes SLK Gas Strut Replacement

Make sure that the Boot Lid can't fall down when you remove the strut...

The struts are fixed to a ball joint (top and bottom) and held on by a spring clip.

Mercedes SLK Gas Strut Replacement

Original (OEM) Top Fixing

 

Mercedes SLK Gas Strut Replacement

Original (OEM) Bottom Fixing

Gently slide a screwdriver blade into the spring clip and pull the strut away.

Same with the bottom fixing.

Mercedes SLK Gas Strut Replacement

It's easy with a screwdriver...

Take one new strut and offer up to the two ball joints

Hey! They match (thank God for that…)

Mercedes SLK Gas Strut Replacement

Line up the new strut

Slightly different design but the same principle. Lever spring clip with screwdriver and drop onto ball joint.

Snap into place.

Mercedes SLK Gas Strut Replacement

New strut fitted

Bin the old parts.

Mercedes SLK Gas Strut Replacement

Mercedes SLK Gas Strut Retirement Home

The whole job (including moving the car) took me less than 10 minutes.

Eat your hearts out MB Forum members!

Cafes You Should Visit #2: Middle Wallop Airfield

This is another airfield (do you see a bit of a theme developing here), this time a large cafe right next to the Museum of Army Flying. The coffee is good, as are the all-day breakfasts.

This was recommended by one of the guys at Bulldog Triumph RAT. There are loads of great biking roads in the area.

Known as the Apache Cafe, it has a new (for 2011) outdoor seating area that gives good views over the airfield.

Balcony at Apache Cafe Middle Wallop Airfield

Next month – Old Sarum (another airfield…)

Spring is here!

Stardate 09-03-2011: 06:30am

If it’s 06:30 on a weekday then it must be dog-walk time. It’s been a long cold winter and am quite used to picking my way along the lane in the dark.

But wait a minute! What’s that funny red light in the sky?

Hah!  Soon we’ll be having sunny (biking) days…