Fixing leaking SLS Valve=More leaking from shock - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

bpeters2 · #1 04-13-2009, 09:43 AM

I'm going to be "refurbishing" my sls system due to a major leak. I'm planning on replacing all the lines and rebuilding the sls valve. The system worked fine except the rear end sagged after sitting (engine off) for a while. I figure that replacing the O-rings in the valve should fix this problem. I also have a slightly leaky rear shock, which I'm not going to change out...I have neither the time or the $$. My question is: If I fix the leaking sls valve (which is just internally leaking and doesn't actually cause fluid lose), will the leak from the shock increase? My thinking is that the pressure on the shocks when the car is not running is relieved internally through the leaky sls valve and if I fix that valve the pressure will push fluid out of the shock when the car sits loosing fluid.

bpeters2 · #2 04-13-2009, 11:20 PM

bump.....

mobetta · #3 04-14-2009, 01:58 AM

I'd say the leak is in the strut, not the valve.

hey_allen · #4 04-14-2009, 03:02 AM

If the strut is actually leaking, you'll likely keep loosing fluid. If it was 'leaking' only in that it was sagging on that corner, you might get lucky though.

As to repairing a strut that, you may be able to save a good amount by taking the strut to a local hydraulic repair shop and letting them reseal it, rather than replacing it with a new strut.
Since they are just small hydraulic rams, you should be find someone who can do that work for considerably less than the cost of new.

bpeters2 · #5 04-14-2009, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mobetta

I'd say the leak is in the strut, not the valve.

I think there are leaks both places. I knw hte strut is leaky becasue it is always wet on the bottom of the strut. I think the sls is leaking internally becasue when the car sags it does so equally. Also I really don't loose much fluid from the system at all.

kerry · #6 04-14-2009, 11:47 AM

I'd like to know more about resealing the struts. I've resealed hydraulic jacks and it was a pretty simple job. Could the struts be similar?

winmutt · #7 04-14-2009, 12:56 PM

I've never heard of reconditioning the SLS shocks but would be interested in seeing it done. They are not cheap to replace. Once I had the wagon in the air and brought it back down. When I fired it up I had a good sized leak coming from the strut. I lifted up and brought it back down and leak went away. Needless to say I minimize the lifting of the rear now.

jammybugger · #8 04-14-2009, 12:59 PM

I replaced my struts recently and one leaked for about a week....now they dont leak anymore!

johninva · #9 04-14-2009, 01:06 PM

we do the IT work for a hydraulic equipment sales and repair company. My co worker who also owns a wagon, brought them a shock a couple years ago, they said they couldnt do it. not saying they are the end all and be all.

winmutt · #10 04-14-2009, 01:14 PM

For the $ you have to outlay for SLS shocks, I would look at a more updated system for similar costs and no SLS head/pump headaches.

bpeters2 · #11 04-14-2009, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winmutt

For the $ you have to outlay for SLS shocks, I would look at a more updated system for similar costs and no SLS head/pump headaches.

Oh boy....not the "fix SLS vs. remove-SLS" argument...here it comes

jammybugger · #12 04-14-2009, 02:19 PM

Just do the work get it right and you wont look back....its a beautiful system.Would not swap it for anything.Its my favourite thing on my 300TD....

kerry · #13 04-14-2009, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johninva

we do the IT work for a hydraulic equipment sales and repair company. My co worker who also owns a wagon, brought them a shock a couple years ago, they said they couldnt do it. not saying they are the end all and be all.

Did they say why? I'm guessing that the problem is that the struts were not designed to be disassembled with standard tools.