on the V12 uber alles site talking about the real self leveling suspension it references the pressure in the system. My 98 s500 system has always not absorbed the road bumps very well and it seems the system is harsh in the rear. I replaced the rear accumultors but the ride did not improve much. In the DIY article it says the fluid is under a lot of pressure, but when I disconnected the lines between the strut and the accumulator, the fluid did not seem under any pressure. When I started the car to drain the system, It did flow out but not under much pressure. Just came out slowly. When I open the resevoir it is pumping back into the system but the flow is not at very high pressure. Just kind of pouring back into the resivoir. What pressure should this system be under when the car is running? Do I need to replace the tandem pump to improve the ride?

SLS system working pressures can be up to 90 Bar, almost 1500 PSI if I'm not mistaken, I've never disconnected hoses without system pressure being evident on other chassises 123/126/124. Sounds like you may have a failed or under-performing pump. Could be a valve issue also but then you would likely see significant flow if the faulty valve was passing the pressurized fluid through without directing it to the struts and spheres.

thanks. I'll have that checked out.

KG

You may very well have issues, but, keep in mind that in general terms flow volume does not have to be high for pressure to be high. In other words, the pump may be pushing the fluid slowly, but it may very well be pushing it with plenty of force. Your brake system is a perfect example of how very little fluid flow can generate tons of force.

__________________
-tp


1990 300SE "Corinne"- 145k daily driver - street modified differential - PARTING OUT OR SELLING SOON - PORTLAND OR. AREA - PM ME FOR DETAILS
1988 560SEL "Gunther"- 190K passes anything except a gas station
1997 S420 - 265k just bought it with a rebuilt trans. Lovely condition

there is only about 1/2 inch clearance between the right rear tire and the wheelwell where there is about 2 inches on the left rear. Seems to indicate the right strut/accumulator/spring? is different than the left. Does that ring any bells with anyone?

KG