2.3 16V self leveling suspension troubleshoot
 

Hi guys

I have an '86 Cossie with droopy rear suspension and want to know what I need to check to trouble shoot the system. No leaks at any junctions I can see, either in the 'shocks' or the pump. Fluid reservoir is full.

I've had the car for around 6 months, bought with a FULL MB dealer service history and one owner from new, so, aside from the stiff rear end it's a good 'un!

Any ideas?

The first thing that you want to try is, adjusting the leveling valve connecting rod. With the car running on level pavement try adjusting the rod a little bit shorter. That should bring the rear end back up.

Thanks Doc, I suspected there was something like that. Where's the rod located? Is it to the side of the diff?

The leveling valve is beside the diff & the rod also connects to the rear anti-sway bar.

Adjust rod and bleed system
 

M.B. DOC -

SO if I shorted the valve rod the car lowers and if I lengthen the rod the car raises...a little?

What is the proper method to bleed the air from the system after replacing the air accumulators in the rear suspension? Where is there is one is the bleed valve or nipple? I just used the supply lines at the accumulators and I am not sure it was the right thing to do now that the suspension is stiff anf the car has a lot of bouncde now. Ride height seems alright. But, I have a really stiff, hard rear suspension now. There are no leaks and the air accumulators are new. Pump seems fine, all new seals and o rings on pump.

I have a huge clunk in the rear suspension from the passenger side I am tryingto get rid of...about to lose the SLS and go Bilstein all round.

The clunk is usually one of three things,
1, Hydro strut top mount worn/ missing
2, Subframe front mounts, different on 16V to other 201 models
3, lower hub carrier/ upright spherical bush
Personally I would persevear with the SLS because when you carry rear seat passengers or any type of load the car remains level and balanced.
Regards Linds