I'm having some issues with the self leveling suspension in my '84 300td...

I've flushed the system and replaced the fluid. The accumulator were replaced by the PO's indy a few years back. The car rides ok but the rear end hasn't been raising when loaded down.

I removed the linkage at the level controller and I have been able to force the suspension up/down this way. However, the controller only affects height through a very narrow range (through maybe 2cm of linkage play). When I adjust the linkage to where the controller is sensitive the linkage is as short as possible. Even with this adjustment the ride height is not corrected with two adults sitting on the rear bumper (rear sits ~2 inches lower).

I haven't tried a _really_ heavy load yet but from what I've read most cars will automatically adjust with even minor loads such as two adults.

SLS is new to me... any suggestions on what might be wrong here? Should the controller be sensitive through a wider range of movement? Also - should the linkage be connected to the controller on the outer, middle, or inner mounting hole?

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1985 MBZ 300DT
1969 MBZ 220d
1984 MBZ 300TDT
1981 VW Vanagon

If you unhook the linkage and manipulate the lever on the valve, can you raise and lower the car? If you can than you just need to adjust the linkage. If not and the pump under the hood is working I would get the rebuild kit for the valve. The valve in the 123s can be rebuilt. Have you flushed the system and changed the fluid? If you rebuild the valve that would be a good time to do it. I know Phil has the fluid and I suspect he can get the rebuild kit as well.
I'm trying to get mine working on my '87. No rebuild kit the 124s.

Good luck,

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

I've been having issues with mine bleeding down when sitting. Then, last week, I put a huge load inside, 2 canoes on top and pulled a trailer for a canoe trip. When I did that, the system worked beautifully, staying level and not bleeding down at all. I concluded that the valve gets sticky or dirty when remaining in a single position for a long time. Even with the load removed this week, it is only rarely bleeding down when sitting. So it seems like regular exercise is a good thing. Put a big load in it and see what happens. Drive around for a while with varying loads and see if you can get the arthritis out of the valve. A hefty wench or two in the back seat might do the trick.

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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