shocks air supension

1982 300sd what does it have? cant get enyone to put it on a hoist. but the rear end is awful low and seems to be getting worse. thanks Bob se,ks.

[tcane]

Bob:

Bad rear springs are not uncommon (how do you like the double negative!!). Seriously, the rear springs fail, especially the "comfort" ride type, and the rear end looks like it is riding on the tops of the tires with the headlights blinding oncoming drivers but not lighting the road in front of you (unless you've adj the H/L). The car is not level, with a decided tilt - the front end higher than the rear end (good for drag racing cars, not good for your SD).

Air shocks are after-market add-ons. If you have air shocks, then look at the shocks for an air fitting and a small air line/hose (about 1/8" dia) coming of it connected to a filler valve located somewhere where it can be accessed to fill the shocks with air.

Original equipment are gas filled shocks and do support the rear end some. If the gas shocks fail there will be a good amount of oil leakage on the shock and below it. However, a bit of leakage is normal and the shock will look a bit wet with some dirt/crud on the shock because of the leak. If the shock is really wet looking over most of it, then the leak is bad. Check by bouncing the rear end up and down, then let go, the read end should stop moving up and down in one bounce maybe two (if two the shocks are getting worn, but are probably still OK if not leaking bad).

Let us know what you find out.

Good Luck!
Tom

Hi Tom thanks for the advice also got the ac running thanks to you im going to have to park the benz for a coupla months till i have my eye surgery (cataracks) sp dont think i need under there just now. Bob se,ks.

[tcane]

Hello Bob:

I hope all goes well with your eye surgery.

Greg has a set of collapsing front springs - add those to your sagging rear springs and voila a low rider M-B!!

What did you find wrong with your AC system? Why don't you share the problem and fix with others so they can repair the same or similar problem?

Tom