1994 S500 won't self level but rides great. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

bassfrad · #1 02-11-2012, 10:04 AM

My S500 rides like a cloud but I have noticed that it does not self level. The fluid level is normal and it's not bouncy. I added about 500 to 600 lbs in the trunk and it lowered about 3 inches and never came back up over 20 min of watching it with it idleing. I removed the weight and it went back up to normal. Any idea? It does not have ADS and the auto leveling arm is attached to sway bar. How will I know if the pump is bad. I've had it up on the lift to remove all weight and it still sits normal so I think the check valve is working. I have read that people have done that and it lowered the car.

Bio300TDTdriver · #2 02-11-2012, 10:43 AM

How old are the air cells(accumulators)? Have they ever been replaced?

bassfrad · #3 02-12-2012, 04:15 AM

They have never been changed to my knowledge but they don't show symptoms of being bad. No bounce and smooth ride. I also cracked a line and fluid was rather clean with no foaming.

Bio300TDTdriver · #4 02-12-2012, 10:00 AM

I had the same condition in my wagon. I changed the accumulators and it fixed the problem.

bassfrad · #5 02-13-2012, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bio300TDTdriver

I had the same condition in my wagon. I changed the accumulators and it fixed the problem.

So your car had a great ride, didnt bounce, had no foamy oil but wouldnt self level when adding weight, you changed the accumulators and all was well?

Bio300TDTdriver · #6 02-13-2012, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassfrad

So your car had a great ride, didnt bounce, had no foamy oil but wouldnt self level when adding weight, you changed the accumulators and all was well?

Yes, that is correct. I tried adjusting the rod. It would go up and down manually when I disconnected the adjusting rod, but not with a load. Eventually the ride got hard and when the accumulators were replaced, the SLS started functioning as designed.