[RichardR]

I have tried to find an appropriate existing thread to post my question on but all the results seem to be older conversations with a note suggesting not to add to a long-dormant chat, hence this new topic...

As seems to be quite a common occurrence amongst SLK owners, I've found a leak in the boot of my wife's SLK280, identified by water in the spare wheel well and a sizeable puddle in the driver's side indentation next to the moveable roof separator.

I traced at least one leak down to the top of the flexible hose on that side of the boot, which I tried pushing firmly into place without any apparent improvement. My question, therefore, is what would be the best fix for a leak in that spot? Are those flexible pipes / hoses replaceable at a reasonable cost or would I be better off using something like a jubilee clip (photo attached as I'm not sure whether they're called something else in other countries) to tighten the seal?

 

[Avel Du]

Simplest is to ask MB dealer for price to begin with.

I found that cleaning inside the hose and the tube it fits onto with propanol took the muck etc off and fixed the problem on her 350.

Don't bother with breakers as they may be worn and removing them may lead to a poor seal.

Might be able to rig something with tubing from aquatics store.

If you do go with jubilee clip, best to make sure the screw is under the window to reduce risk of it catching the roof when in the boot. Can't swear to position, but better safe than scratched roof.

 

[Avel Du]

You can look up part number here (needs VIN):

The web site of slk-links

 

[LeonardoDaBenz]

Also called hose clamps. BUT if you try to tighten them up too much, when on plastic fittings they'll crack/crush them and then you'll have an even bigger problem.

 

[Avel Du]

Maybe put thin band of plastic/rubber around the outside and don't overtighten to protect the plastic.

 

[RichardR]

@Avel Du - Thanks for the feedback Myk. When you mentioned cleaning the hoses and the fittings with propanol, did you take the hoses off to do that? I noticed that the hose is ribbed in certain areas, which seems to be designed to control how it folds / stretches when the roof opens, so I think an improvised alternative would probably not behave correctly. Thank you also for the link to the links page - that'll be very useful.

@LeonardoDaBenz - The possibility of crushing the plastic fitting was also one of my concerns with using a jubilee clip Len. After I made my post yesterday, it occurred to me that a cable tie / zip strap might be a good option to improve the seal of the hose without the risk of overtightening, so I think I'll try that as my next step...

 

[JustinC71]

Hylomar Hylosil instant gasket. However your issue may well be that the bottom hose is blocked leaving the water no where to go and weeping through the join on the bulkhead.

The flexible hoses are super cheap. 10 quid each.

https://www.lllparts.co.uk/product/...-a1716390394-water-drain-rear-window-left-top

 

[RichardR]

Thanks for that info @JustinC71 - very useful.

Amongst the various things I checked at the weekend, I think I did try pouring water into the drain hole in question to check that it all appeared under the car and all was well, but I will double-check that.

 

[JustinC71]

I have a similar problem which I've traced to the bottom hoses on mine being blocked. Problem is that the current temps mean that all of the water/crud in the bottom hoses is frozen solid so I have no chance of trying to clear them until it warms up !

I replaced the flexible hoses on mine (thinking it was an age related leak - i.e. they are cracked) but that didn't solve my issue so I traced it to the bottom hoses being blocked. Once I have sucessfully cleared them then I'll be putting the Hylosil on each end of the new flexible hoses.

 

[RichardR]

I have a similar problem which I've traced to the bottom hoses on mine being blocked. Problem is that the current temps mean that all of the water/crud in the bottom hoses is frozen solid so I have no chance of trying to clear them until it warms up !

I replaced the flexible hoses on mine (thinking it was an age related leak - i.e. they are cracked) but that didn't solve my issue so I traced it to the bottom hoses being blocked. Once I have sucessfully cleared them then I'll be putting the Hylosil on each end of the new flexible hoses.

From what I could see, there was water weeping from the top of the driver's side hose (the passenger side was bone dry) but I didn't really check the other end, so I'll try and delve into the recesses of the boot to do that too!

Are the hoses just a simple push / pull fitting or is it more involved than that?

 

[JustinC71]

Just push on, very simple. Use a bit of dish soap to aid lubrication/fit

 

[efair]

I've read here that the nipples at the base of the rear window can leak too - but can be removed and resealed. I've never done it myself though.

 

[JustinC71]

Well after trying with various plumbing snakes I gave in and dropped the car off today at the local Merc specialist (D&B in Winford, who by the way are utterly superb).
Both bottom hoses were completely blocked and they unblocked them from bottom upwards rather than top down like I was attempting.
They only charged me 1 hour's labour too which was an unexpected surprise. They leak tested the car and the only remaining issue is water 'weeping' from the C-Pillar drain in the boot (the nipple bit) where the top flexible hose plugs in.

So as the bottom drains are all clear now and at the weekend I'll get out there with the Hylosil Instant gasket and fingers crossed this issue that's be plaguing my car for a while will be fixed !

 

[efair]

Well after trying with various plumbing snakes I gave in and dropped the car off today at the local Merc specialist (D&B in Winford, who by the way are utterly superb).
Both bottom hoses were completely blocked and they unblocked them from bottom upwards rather than top down like I was attempting.
They only charged me 1 hour's labour too which was an unexpected surprise. They leak tested the car and the only remaining issue is water 'weeping' from the C-Pillar drain in the boot (the nipple bit) where the top flexible hose plugs in.

So as the bottom drains are all clear now and at the weekend I'll get out there with the Hylosil Instant gasket and fingers crossed this issue that's be plaguing my car for a while will be fixed !

I have never done it myself but I've heard that you can actually remove that nipple to clean and re-install.