I hvae a 1982 300td,138k on the od.-- it bounces on the bumpy roads a good bit,in fact a little to much,on the SLS there no leaks, that i can tell, this morning i started it up ,and with it on ramps, looked under there and pushed the control leaver up and the rear went up about 3 inches,is this normal??or do i need to adjust it or need new accumulators or what?? i am lost on this one,i have read others threads on SLS --- IF ANYONE CAN HELP-- PLEASE,Thanks Dennis

The most likely reason is that you need new accumulators. These are the spherical things mounted near the rear axle.

They are not too hard to replace, and cost around $100 each.

Do a search on accumulators. Lots of info in here.

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Semibodacious Transmogrifications a Specialty

1990 300D 2.5 Turbo sedan 171K (Rudolf)
1985 300D Turbo TD Wagon 219K (Remuda)

"Time flies like and arrow, yet fruit flies like a banana"
---Marx (Groucho)

Thanks for the reply,I have read most of stuff on the air cells-- and I tend to agree with you,when i pushed the control leave up the car went up, is this normal and did this mean presser was on the system> Thanks Dennis

If the rear goes up when you pull on the lever, this means that the shocks (which are expensive), the hydraulic pump and the lines have pressure and can hold pressure. The springiness in the system is taken up in the chambers of the accumulators, which are half filled with air (which compresses) and hydraulic fluid (which doesn't). Chances are that the diaphragm between the two chambers has broken, or the nitrogen has leaked out.

Before I replaced mine, the suspension was rough and clunky in the rear. Now that I have changed them, it is smooth and even.

So you are lucky and don't need to replace the most expensive parts. You should consider replacing the fluid and filter, which aren't too expensive and are avaialble from Finish Line.

The Haynes DIY manual doesn't say a thing about the Wagon rear suspension, but it useful for other stuff. There is enough stuff on this Forum to inform you how to do the job and then some, in my opinion.Be safe, use jackstands, and good luck.

__________________
Semibodacious Transmogrifications a Specialty

1990 300D 2.5 Turbo sedan 171K (Rudolf)
1985 300D Turbo TD Wagon 219K (Remuda)

"Time flies like and arrow, yet fruit flies like a banana"
---Marx (Groucho)

Thanks Richard,I will change the accumulators, and from what i have read so far i think i can handle the job, the old wagon is a good car in good cond.I also have a 450SL that i tenker with,but i think the 300TD is the best ride--Have a good night, Dennis P.S. it's cold here in north floirda!!!

Thanks Inted,I will take a look--Dennis P.S. my mb is a w123 300td [it's wagon]