Take it you've already installed new sleeves?

No. The sleeves are simply hollow nylon tubes that fit over the metal plungers. They are simple to replace. Here's what they look like ...

coil_sleeve.jpg

NO.

2 screws, pop the coil off, slide the sleeves in. Make sure to put them on the same way they came out with the flange on the proper side.

Yes just measure them

Or call PBR (Pinball Resource). Tell them the Coil # along with use (ie.. Bumpers). they will know the sleave to use...

That's assuming it's actually the correct sleeve to begin with. People will sometimes just use whatever sleeve they happen to have lying around, even if it's the wrong one. My tech was working on my STTNG the other day and discovered the wrong sleeve installed on one of my VUK plungers. I never would have noticed it myself.

Generally, yes - but sometimes things behave differently when being pulled by the coil instead of pushed with a finger. A visual inspection of the coil sleeve should make it clear, though. If the sleeve is the wrong size, or shows wear, replace it. Sleeves are dirt cheap, and not that hard to replace.

How weak are those slings? They should be at least strong enough to get the ball from one sling to the other, assuming it hits at the right angle.

Beyond that, the strength of slings varies from manufacturer to manufacture, game to game within a manufacturer's line, and machine to machine for any given game - so there may not be any problem.

Definitely check the coil sleeves though. I assume you've also put fresh rubbers on it right? I suspect that spoiled rubber could make the slings seem weaker (as well as degrading play in general)

If the bottom of the mount is bent out, you can bend it back up. This will give the slingshot more oomph!