SLS shock reseal

[Cjarvis]

Morning all,

Posting here as well as BC.I am knee deep into the SLS on the 745. Both shocks have leaks, but only the left is still available. So I have to reseal the right. Disassembly was simple. And it seems all the seals should be available. But I am having trouble getting at one of them. The first pic is of the disassembled shock. The second pic is of the top shaft seal, shouldn't be a problem. The last pic is of the problem seal. So far, I haven't been able to remove the disk (with the 4 holes). I tried grabbing it with snap ring pliers and pulling, twisting. No movement. Before getting more aggressive, I am hoping someone here has seen something similar and knows how these seals can be removed and replaced. Based on the design, the lower seal seem to be the one dealing with the weight of the car. So ignoring isn't an option. The top shaft seal (wiper) isn't going to hold oil back.

Any ideas?

Disassembled shock
E23 SLS Shock - 1 sm.jpg

Top wiper seal
E23 SLS Shock - 5 sm.jpg
Bottom main seal
E23 SLS Shock - 4 sm.jpg

[Jay535is]

I wish I had the answer for you, all I can offer is I do remember reading what seemed to be a few comprehensive threads about SLS shock rebuilding in the E32 section a few years ago-when I was looking at an E34 touring with SLS.
Best of luck and I hope it works out.

[Cjarvis]

Thanks Jay. Found this: http://twrite.org/shogunnew/systems/lad.html from this thread:https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...+shock+rebuild. 13th and 14th picture helped. There was also this thread that had a different design for the disk, but clearly shows it just sets in place: http://bmwe32.masscom.net/gavin/LAD_strut_rebuild.htm. So I dug the seal out of its grove with a pick, and was able to tap the disk out from the other side. Now I need to source the seals. Should be fun.

[Cjarvis]

Looks like I am at a road block. The rod seal (below) doesn't seem to be available in the 17mm size needed. 16 and 18 are readily available but not a 17. Since the inner ring is not rubber, a 16 won't stretch over the 17mm shaft. Tried that, not even close.

Left shocks are still available from BMW, I may have to buy two lefts and flip the bushing to make it into a right shock. Painful for the lack of simple seal

I am open to any ideas on sources for the rod seal. I've tried a local shop, 6-8 web sources, shogun, Jay S(looking). Same result so far, 16, 18, no 17.

The wiper seal is another story. I don't think it is intended to be replaced. But it's likely OK to replace the other two seals and leave the wiper alone.E23 SLS Shock - rod seal 3.JPG