SLS sphere testing
 

If you have a w123 wagon with the Self Leveling System (aka SLS)you have what are commonly called "spheres" or "accumulators". There are two- one on both sides just forward of the rear wheels. If they "go bad" you have a bouncy ride that is horrible. One side can go bad and you still have a good side, and the ride will be worse than normal but not as bad as when both sides go bad. The ride quality can suddenly go bad, or breakdown over time. If you want to test to see if you spheres are good, here is the procedure:
Remove spheres from car. There will be a bit of pressure in the spheres, so wear safety glasses and watch out for/ prepare for some squirting fluid. Here is a removed sphere:http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...s/PJat6036.jpg Remove the banjo bolt from the sphere- Look at this picture:http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...s/PJat6037.jpg........
To test and find out if the sphere is good, find a rod that will fit inside the sphere, and see if you can push it down into the sphere. It should make contact with within one inch inside, and then be difficult to continue pushing in. If it is easy to push down the sphere is no good. If it is very hard the sphere is good. Inside is a rubber diaphragm that can and does fail- this is what you are pushing against. Do not use a sharp object to test, and this could puncture the diaphragm. http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...s/PJat6038.jpg......When you re-install a good sphere it is self bleeding, to install and drive happily!

It's probably better to use a different method than the pictured one for disconnecting the sphere from the hoses prior to testing. ;)

Its probably worth a mention Do not use engine oil or ATF in the SLS. Using it will destroy the Spheres fast.
Some one else may wish to list the suitable fluids on here.

The factory uses Febi mineral oil, which is green.

-Jason

Yup use the MB or Febi stuff

Here is the stuff. Though it comes in a different bottle now.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...6&d=1266268267

Unless the unit is from a junkyard! :D Yes do not cut your lines to attempt testing....

I posted this before but could not find it even when I searched- so now I ought to be able to find it with a search of "SLS sphere testing." Please post only SLS related material here.

Bump for wagon and SLS equipt vehicles.

Well I just got a sphere from another member who said he tested it with the rod pushing down method and found it difficult. I received it and it was toast- so I'm sure that the commercial cargo flight which is unpressurized caused the diaphragm to fail. DO NOT SEND THESE AIRMAIL IN CASE THE THEORY HOLDS- ground only to be safe.

Is this the thread?
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/193461-mysterious-inards-sls-accumulator.html

Charlie

Yes! Thanks Charlie.

I also got the other sphere and I'm sure now of the unpressurized airplane flights causing issues with otherwise good but used spheres.

Would plugging the holes in the spheres stop problems with high altitude plane rides?

I imagine it might if the plug were truly airtight.

I'm a little surprised that a 10 psi reduction is enough to make these fail given the pressures they normally work at.

Both units had the plastic covers to prevent dirt intrusion, but they certainly are not air tight. I'm sure it's the psi reduction which forces the diaphragm to go the wrong direction. It's very strong with increased pressure, but apparently not so good with reduced pressure. The other possible explanations are that #1 both guys did not test properly or #2 both guys tested and lied. I soundly reject both of those explanations after talking with both people- which leaves the one reasonable explanation that they can fail when shipped via airplane.

I think, if air shipping, the only "sure" method would be to attach a schrader(sp?) valve and put some air in the fluid side.

I think I need some spheres. :( I have a very level but harsh ride. I thought they were fine until someone mentioned that the backend feels like a "basketball". Bingo! Thats what it feels like. It floats but on sharp bumps its horrible!

If I can get the specs for this stuff off the bottle, I can find a lower-cost, APPROPRIATE fluid.

This fluid looks a great deal like Citorenb LHM or LHM +/++ fluid.

That can be purchased from bendix cheaply, because it is used in airplane hydraoulics.

By cheap, I mean 8.00-10.00 per gallon, so imagine how far that would go!