My '82 300TD has a saggy back end. I feel her lift in the back about an inch when I start the engine, but even then, I can't see the tops of the back tires. Is this is dreaded hydraulic shocks that need replacing?? I know my sls valve leaks a little bit, but it's still functioning. How can I diagnose the problem??

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'90 300SE --- 173k miles --- (Odometer just stopped working!)

'85 Cali 300D --- 193500 miles --- (Second one) Sold Nov '10

'82 300TDT --- 236,xxx miles --- (My first one) Sold July '09

the accumalators could be at fault..Im not pro at the SLS system but what is the hydraulic fluid level at? any leaks?

It probably just needs to be adjusted if it is raising at all. Have you checked your fluid level? There is a valve under the car, I think just in front of the differential or closeby which has an adjustable rod which determines the height of the suspension.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

Uh, yep.....

Kerry is correct. Try adjusting the linkage before worrying about anything else. You loosen the locknut at either end and turn the linkage from the middle. Shortening the linkage raises the backend of the car. I use a tape measure from the lip of the wheel to the fender to track the difference.
**NOTE**
Always have your wagon up on ramps, because if the linkage pops loose and the valve lever is moved a certain direction, the wagon rear end will drop like a rock!!!
How is your ride quality? Is the rear end very harsh and bouncy? That is the usual failure mode of the accumulators, although my first wagon was really mushy riding and the rear end wouldn't raise.
Your struts usually only fail by leaking. And there is a kit for your valve that can cure your leaking. A search should help uncover that part # and a source for it.
Report back.....

__________________
Jimmy L.
'05 Acura TL 6MT
2001 ML430 My Spare

Gone:
'95 E300 188K "Batmobile" Texas Unfriendly Black
'85 300TD 235K "The Wagon" Texas Friendly White
'80 240D 154K "China" Scar engine installed
'81 300TD 240K "Smash"
'80 240D 230K "The Squash"
'81 240D 293K"Scar" Rear ended harder than Elton John

I wouldn't mess with the ride height just yet. Fix your leaks first. The leaks in the system cause the rear end to sag when sitting. Does the car settle while sitting over night? Drive the car then park it and measure the distance from the ground to the wheel well on both sides, then in the morning measure it a gain. Did the rear drop? It's not supposed to.
There are 3 likely places for leaks. The suspension valve, the accumulators(internal), and the shock. Wipe all these parts down then drive the car for a while and see if you any leaks show up. This will tell you which part is leaking. The sus. valve is rebuildable. If the accumulators have ruptured your ride will be bouncy and/or hard, bouncy like when you have bad shocks. Those have to be bought no rebuilding available. If the shocks are leaking they are shot, and new ones are in order, junk yard speciemens will work too as long as they aren't leaky.

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There can be internal leaks in the system. For instance, mine will drop down to the bottom after a few hours of sitting. It will immediately perk up after starting the engine. I'm pretty sure it's an internal leak in the height valve, allowing the pressure to bleed off. I have no external leaks and everything works fine with the engine running.
I am planning to fix the valve but I don't think it is absolutely necessary to fix it as long as there are no external leaks.

__________________
1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

The two above posts are correct. You can still adjust ride height if your valve leaks a small amount, or if the car sags overnight. You will at some point want to deal with a valve rebuild, but you can put it off usually without repercussion.
About the leaks, you can also get them from under the hood in several places. any connection point at the pump or at the tank. Leaks at the tank are less common than at the pump. There is also a gasket in the middle of the pump halves that can fail and cause quite a hemorrhage. Ask me how I know about that one......

__________________
Jimmy L.
'05 Acura TL 6MT
2001 ML430 My Spare

Gone:
'95 E300 188K "Batmobile" Texas Unfriendly Black
'85 300TD 235K "The Wagon" Texas Friendly White
'80 240D 154K "China" Scar engine installed
'81 300TD 240K "Smash"
'80 240D 230K "The Squash"
'81 240D 293K"Scar" Rear ended harder than Elton John

I just bought a used pump on Ebay to hold in reserver. Once I saw the price of a new one, I thought the $50 spent on a used one was good insurance.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

just one thing to add to the height adjustment. you should adjust the height with a load in the rear of the car, probably at least some 200 to 300 pounds.

__________________
1974 240D, 125K mi, B100 now, SOLD
1980 300TD, 115K mi, 4-speed stick, roll-up windows, greasecar with two tank conversion (daily driver)
1985 300D, 220K miles, greasecar with two tank conversion, SOLD
1993 300D 2.5turbo, 158K miles, green/tan, B20-B50

Why? Isn't it going to hold whatever level it is adjusted to independent of load?

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

not exactly sure why. an MB trained mechanic taught me that...

__________________
1974 240D, 125K mi, B100 now, SOLD
1980 300TD, 115K mi, 4-speed stick, roll-up windows, greasecar with two tank conversion (daily driver)
1985 300D, 220K miles, greasecar with two tank conversion, SOLD
1993 300D 2.5turbo, 158K miles, green/tan, B20-B50

My 300TD leveling fluid is a little low, what is the recommended fluid for
topping it off?

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xafman
1984 300TD 182,000 mi FOR SALE
1972 Chev Longhorn PU--restored
1994 Buick Roadmaster 7200 mi (actual)

There are a bunch of threads on that topic. To cut to the end use the Febi or the MB fluid. You can order it from Phil or Roy.

Chris

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1987 300TD 309, xxx 2.8.2014 10,000 mile OCI


Be careful of the toes you step on today, as they may be connected to the ass you have to kiss tomorrow. anonymous

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter won’t mind.” Dr. Seuss

Do a search under "SLS fluid". Tons of info. First check the fluid level. Next do the drive height check/next day check. Then put three big guys in the back and see if the rear raises. Do the wipe and check for leaks trick. Listen to people who have a wagon in the car sig first, unless it's Brian Carlton or Mr Hunter, then listen no matter what.

Febi, Bilstein or genuine MB. Period. No discussion. none-zip-nadda.........


You are correct William. Sure are a lot of folks lately just throwing out things that they have heard, but don't know for sure the accuracy or application.
There is a reason I'm not telling folks how to adjust their IP or replace a balljoint.....

__________________
Jimmy L.
'05 Acura TL 6MT
2001 ML430 My Spare

Gone:
'95 E300 188K "Batmobile" Texas Unfriendly Black
'85 300TD 235K "The Wagon" Texas Friendly White
'80 240D 154K "China" Scar engine installed
'81 300TD 240K "Smash"
'80 240D 230K "The Squash"
'81 240D 293K"Scar" Rear ended harder than Elton John