Wagon fun - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

nuckingfuts · #1 04-10-2006, 10:52 PM

Tomorrow I get to bleed my ps fluid and replace the filter. I do have a question for all wagon owners, Should I bleed the Leveling system, If so what is the procedure for going about this. I found no info in the diy pages for the wagon.

MTUpower · #2 04-10-2006, 10:56 PM

most MB SLS are self bleeding AFAIK

nuckingfuts · #3 04-10-2006, 11:16 PM

I guess I did not phrase this right. I want to replace the fluid back to the shocks. Is it just as easy as undoing a line and pouring P.S. Fluid through?

Panzermann · #4 04-10-2006, 11:36 PM

There is a special hydraulic fluid (clear, not red) that seems to be lighter than PS or transmission fluid used in the power steering system. At least that is what is called for, though someone may know if it is safe to use tranny fluid (which is OK for the PS system). In the 123 TD's (I think the 124s are quite similar) there is a bleed screw at the level controller to drain the old fluid out, but I do it the lazy way by siphoning it out of the reservoir in the engine compartment and replacing the siphoned fluid. It equals about 1/2 the volume of the system, with the total being about 4 liters. the proper fluid can be obtained for about $8 a liter.

Mismost · #5 04-10-2006, 11:39 PM

I know you are not suppose to use power steering fluid in your SLS....needs to that high-dollar special MB SLS oil. I suppose you could disconnect the line returning fluid to the reservoir, catch the old fluid as you pour in the new fluid. But frankly, I am not sure in the fluid moves around all the time or just when a load is applied and the system needs to adjust....when you find out, let us all know!

Bruno_300TE · #6 04-10-2006, 11:52 PM

The fluid circulates all the time. However this does not include the fluid in the shocks and air cells. Those compartments are connected to the pump and lines only when adjusting is to done. For changing the fluid I undid the return line from the reservoir and added fresh fluid until it came back clear. At the same time I had a helper disconnecting the leveling rod at the valve and moving it up and down inorder to simulate load.
Regards, Bruno

Addicted · #7 04-10-2006, 11:54 PM

Yep I agree with mismost- Pour in as you pump out. Works well with two people. YOu will need two jugs of the MB stuff but it is cheap and that is all you will need. Mine was black and I was able to flush and fill it with 2 jugs (about a quart each I think) Sorry cant be more clear have to get back to class.

JimmyL · #8 04-11-2006, 12:33 AM

How do you get the filter out of that spring-thingy??

Addicted · #9 04-11-2006, 01:48 AM

Hmmmm. I can't remember on the filter. I'll have to take a look. I just remember it being easy (little cylindrical thing). I think it just popped right out the spring. I can take a look in the morning.

Ohh and the MB fluid is clear not black. In my last post I meant that the stuff I was flushing was black.

Mismost · #10 04-11-2006, 10:09 AM

Bruno...so the fluid moves around all the time and the SLS valve only passes it to the shocks as needed? That makes sense to me, good to know about manually operating the valve as well.

Panzermann · #11 04-11-2006, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyL

How do you get the filter out of that spring-thingy??

You can push the filter in, which allows a hook on the bottom to come undone. I guess that's not very clear, but that is how you do it.

nuckingfuts · #12 04-12-2006, 05:08 AM

So I bled and replaced the fluid in the ps system without a problem. In my effort to do the same to the rear end I decided to crack the lines that go from the frame to the shocks......and speaking of shocked, a milk like fluid came out(air bubbles) WHAT THE F........ I was under the thought these were self bleeding systems. Then I took a look at the rear SLS controller, on the top was a bleed valve exactly like on the brake system. I opened it with a 11mm wrench and started the car( with the rear end in the air.) and watched as the air filled liquid changed to a nice consistant matter. Needless to say my rear end is no longer bouncy (which I thought I was going to have to buy new shocks) and it seems to hold the road much better.

krs · #13 04-12-2006, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nuckingfuts

So I bled and replaced the fluid in the ps system without a problem. In my effort to do the same to the rear end I decided to crack the lines that go from the frame to the shocks......and speaking of shocked, a milk like fluid came out(air bubbles) WHAT THE F........ I was under the thought these were self bleeding systems. Then I took a look at the rear SLS controller, on the top was a bleed valve exactly like on the brake system. I opened it with a 11mm wrench and started the car( with the rear end in the air.) and watched as the air filled liquid changed to a nice consistant matter. Needless to say my rear end is no longer bouncy (which I thought I was going to have to buy new shocks) and it seems to hold the road much better.

That's a good indication of a leak - the fluid had to go somewhere. Now that you have it filled and bled it'd be good to check it frequently for signs of leakage. It wouldn't be a large leak; more likely a seepage.

300TD · #14 04-12-2006, 10:30 PM

Might be the bladders going in the accumulators! They are nitrogen filled and damper the fluid pressure in the shocks. When they no longer work the car will bounce alot (as in hitting one's head on the roof)! Easy to replace, just a little pricey,

Addicted · #15 04-12-2006, 11:07 PM

Hmmmm. I have that problem. I was wondering why a nice luxery car would make something that made it ride worse. I always thought that pump was too stong. Over any large road speed bumps and I hit my head on the ceiling.