I have a 95 S 500 with 49000 mi on her. Have had her 3 weeks and had to replace both rear wheel barrings. Have been hearing the clunking sound when traveling over bumps and the dealer said to replace the actuators. So I did. Problem not fixed. So now they want 2000 to replace the ads shocks. Dont think so! I am mechanicaly inclined and Im going to try and do it my self. have already dropped 2200 with the dealer.
I could use some steps and direction on doing this job.

Many thanks in advance

Chad Clark

If the car maintains it's level with a full load in the back seat and trunk, I'd get a second opinion before replacing the leveling struts. Otherwise you might end up throwing a lot of money into chasing that clunk.

If the ride seems particularly stiff, it might just be the accumulators. But still, go for a second opinion.

Sixto
91 300SE
81 300SD

It really was a piece of cake. The dealer had me all freaked out about doing it and what a major job it was. But it took me 2 hours from start to finish. Any one needing instruction let me know. I bought the shocks from Phil at the parts shop! Got it all done for around a grand. What a difference it has made in the smoothness over bumps. It drives and rides like it was intended to.

Chad

I have a 94 S500 140k miles and have a clunk coming from the passenger rear wheel area, already did the accumulators [posted entire how I did it elsewhere here], when I jacked up the passenger rear to jerk the wheel around looking for slack I noticed a puddle of my fresh clean Hyd fluid under the shock area.

I am ordering a pair of Sach's [that's what is on there now] shocks tomorrow, I do not think I have ADS, I have no switch on the console, please post how you replaced your shocks. It looks like all I do is remove the plastic pan under the shock to get at the lower bolt and I can access the upper bolt in the trunk.

Can anyone tell me FOR SURE how to tell if I have ADS or not? Is there a code on the engine compartment plate?

Sounds like to me you pretty much got it. Jack her up remove wheel then 4 bolts on the bottome of plastic cover. If you have ads there will be a hose that connects to a hose coming from the shock. Before you loosen the shock bolts make sure you loosen the conecting fluid line from the car to the shock hose. If you cant get it loose you got problems. I think they were a 17mm and a 18mm wrench? After you get the fluid hoses loose make sure you have somthing to catch the oil. Then loosen bottom bolts and top bolts. Then remove shock. You will need another small jack after you put new shock in to raise the bottom spring to meet the bolt holes. Get the top bolt started then jack up the bottom put the jack where the plastic cover goes. Then use the new bolts that came with the shocks. Make sure you buy fluid before you start. My fluid was very dirty so I siphened almost all out from resivoir and replaced with new. It's been 3 days since I did it and no failure yet so I guess I did it right?
Good Luck

Chad

I just had some questions about replacing the rear shocks for 94/S500; how did you get to the top of the shocks? And what kind of oil should I use when the job is done? It looks like I have a leak somewhere, so I'm planning on adding some oil first (BTW, should the car be on when I add the oil?) to see where the leak is coming from. I hope I don't have to change the pump. If you have any ideas to help me with this issue, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks
Sam