Trivia Question for the Parts Geeks

[ctaylor738]

What is the largest quantity for a single part used on Pagodas, and what is the part?

[mmizesko]

Guess:  10mm bolt or the stainless screws that hold the rockers on.

Mike

[mdsalemi]

and here is another question...what's the source of the correct answer?

[ctaylor738]

Mike M - not even close.

Michael S - the EPC or the dealer parts book.

[Cees Klumper]

Nice quiz. What comes to mind:

- hog rings in the seats (I have no clue how many are needed)
- clips to put the chrome trim on the body
- transmission pan bolts

Has to be more than 12, because there are lots of engine parts that are that number. I wonder what the correct answer is!

[ctaylor738]

No, no, no!

Hint - three figures.

[Garry]

Self tapping screw, probably around 6g 10mm??

[Baybear]

How about a cylinder roller?
1809810086
Will

[Benz Dr.]

Nah. It's paint or paint products. As in DB 180............

[ctaylor738]

We have a winner.  Will Milby nailed it.  The roller bearings in the sliding joint.  Here's a picture of 38 of them.  Be careful if you take this apart.

[66andBlue]

What? 38 is the largest quantity for a single part used on Pagodas?
How many of these balls are there per car?

[ctaylor738]

114.  Three sets of 38.

Putting the slide joint back together is a challenge. 

[mmizesko]

I know I am ignorant, but this is a teaching moment.  What does this part slide?  Where is it on the car?

Mike

[RAY]

Just so your not alone Mike. What does it slide and where ?

[Cees Klumper]

AFAIK it's on one side of the rear axle and allows the axle to adapt its length depending on the movement up and down of the body relative to the wheels (if that makes sense).

[Naj ✝︎]

The slider is part of the universal joint that resides in the big black boot on the rear axle. It allows for the vertical movement of the right rear wheel independent of the left. It allows for the change in the effective length of the axle shaft as the wheel moves up and down.
The 230 SL universal  joint is not as beefy as the later cars and has only 37 rollers per segment as opposed to 38.

Those of you who saw the Kiwi Ponton article in the latest (MBCA) Star mag. will see that this is the joint that failed damaging the axle tube and diff at the same time.

naj