Accumulator issue??

[Vermont300TD]

Traveled with the Benz this weekend (87 300TD) and I had a disheartening ride. The LR suspension appeared to loose all shock absorbtion. It was VERY bouncy and I felt every bump. IT made me cringe every time we hit a bump, actually. My wife in the passenger side said that her side was OK - not too bumpy or bouncy.

When this started acting up the outside temp was around 10-20 degrees and stayed that way the entire trip. I had a good size load in the trunk, but nothing excessive. the SLS appeared to work and it wasn't sagging.

on the return trip, however, an amazing thing happened. apparently the problem fixed itself, literally over night. the ONLY difference before and after was the fact the the outside air temp was well above freezing, 35-40 degrees.

I assumed it was time to replace the accumulators, thinking the membrane ruptured. but since the problem seemed to fix itself, i'm not so sure now.

is it possible that the accumulators have low gas pressure and are therefore sensitive to cold temps - low temp resulting in decreased volume resulting in no shock absorbtion? that was the first real cold spell we've had so far which would explain why it appeared and dissappeared so quickly. well, i have the accumulators on order and plan to replace soon.....

any thoughts?


- Mike

[JimmyL]

Let us know how the wagon is after you replace the accumulators, and also after your first real cold spell after you replace them.
My wagon is as you describe: harsh and bouncey. Doesn't bottom out, but will bounce you into the headliner.
On my other wagon they failed and the car had complete and total sag, so my guess is they fail both ways.
Where did you order your accumulators from, and might I politely inquire as to the price as I need some also and may buy them for my Christmas present?