summicron and serndipity, thank you for your prompt and kind responses!
mbcat, we are certain that we make used pumps better than brand new ones in the course of our rebuild. We don't just replace a bad motor, or whatever else we find wrong - we upgrade a bunch of internal seals and components.
The rebuild service includes a new high-current relay. The electric motor gets replaced if needed, and electric components in the motor get upgraded. Internal seals get replaced, valve block, check valves, relief valve and solenoids get serviced (solenoids get replaced if necessary), and in final test we make sure that the pump exceeds OEM specs. This includes test of flow rates under various conditions, hydraulic pressure, thermal behavior, and other details.
Please note that Mercedes-Benz does not sell new pumps for the W208 CLK convertibles any more, but will sell you rebuilt ones with only one year warranty.
I am not aware of anyone else truly rebuilding the pumps, outside of Top Hydraulics and Mercedes-Benz. If anyone else is claiming that they are "rebuilding" pumps, then I would actually highly doubt that. It would probably rather be a "patch job", or replacing the electric motor at best. Unless, whoever quoted you $900 would probably simply have sent the pump to Top Hydraulics... ;-) The barrier to entry in this kind of business is quite high, in terms of having the know-how, tools, manpower, and the right parts for the job. Sorry to be boastful here - I am passionate about the level of quality we put into our work. We rebuild convertible top pumps for over 30 brands now.
Klaus
www.tophydraulicsinc.com
http://www.tophydraulicsinc.com/en/w208-clk/162-rebuild-service-for-w208-hydraulic-pump.html
The following part numbers apply:
2088000030 aka A 208 800 00 30 (model years 1998 - 2000, up to VIN -070017 in model year 2001)
2088001048 aka A 208 800 10 48 (model years 1998 - 2000, up to VIN -070017 in model year 2001)
2088000230 aka A 208 800 02 30 (model years 2002, 2003, and from VIN -070018 in model year 2001)
2088001748 aka A 208 800 17 48 (model years 2002, 2003, and from VIN -070018 in model year 2001)
Access to the pump is covered in these instructions:
http://www.tophydraulicsinc.com/W208 Case Cover Lock and Rear Bow Lock Replacement.pdf
Once you have access to the pump, do the following:
- unplug electrical connector
- remove black protective plate
- remove socket head bolts on aluminum hydraulic line retaining plate
- pull on each hydraulic line individually (do not worry - the lines will all stay connected to the plate, and they will not get mixed up)
- unbolt the mounting brackets from the car, and take out the pump
- drain the reservoir
- remove one or both mounting brackets if you want to save on shipping cost/weight
- put pump into a sturdy garbage bag
- buffer your parcel well inside, ideally double box, and tape up well
- ship to Top Hydraulics after making payment on the website
We ship these pumps exclusively in USPS Priority "Large Flat Rate Boxes", or using your UPS/FedEx account. Remove the mounting brackets before shipping the pump to us, please. Please double box and use plenty of buffering material inside the box.
Top Hydraulics currently charges $15 for Priority Mail shipping CLK pumps inside the US.
