there is very little fluid left in my resevoir tank. The fluid is a kind of darkish color but there is not much left in it. I looked for leaks everywhere and could find wetness under the tank and in this area by the springs and strut. There was no other leaks anywhere that were visible. The ride height unloaded is probably an inch too low and does not really move up when the car starts.. (unloaded ride height with car on and off is the same).

Here are the pics... just trying to figure out of this is a strut that is leaking...








in the third picture... it looks like the springs are wet and the frame around the springs are wet... but the strut itself does not look wet.

Running the SLS reservoir dry can destroy the pump, a very expensive item to repair / replace.

I'd say refill the tank with the proper fluid, drive around, and then put a clean piece of paper or cardboard under that strut overnight. If you find drips in the a.m., you've got your answer.

The hydraulic struts can be rebuilt, if you are the very handy sort, and a good hydraulic supply house should have the seals for very little money compared to a new strut from MB.

If the accordion dust boot is missing, strut life is significantly shortened.

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Respectfully,
/s/
M. Dillon
'87 124.193 (300TD) "White Whale", ~392k miles, 3.5l IP fitted
'95 124.131 (E300) "Sapphire", 380k miles
'73 Balboa 20 "Sanctification"
Charleston SC

If the spheres are bad, you will loose fluid into the spheres and show no leaks. Once the spheres are pretty much full of fluid, it will ride very rough in the rear.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

I have an '80 300TD here. It developed an SLS leak, and the engine will not be started until the leak(s) are repaired. If you run the SLS hydraulic pump low on fluid, damage to the pump is likely.
In your thread regarding the timing chain, don't get embroiled in the timing chain and forget your SLS fluid level, possibly damaging the pump, and giving you another repair that may be unnecessary.


snapped_bolt

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'81 240D For now, a good place to borrow new parts
'80 300TD Probably will be put back into service!
'79 240D BACK IN SERVICE SINCE 09/16; limited use, oil leak. Guide pin r/sealed/replaced. Still a leak. Front crank seal....