1986 560SEL Back intermittent hopping - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Ritchie · #1 08-26-2012, 04:13 PM

I just replace the radio and I not sure if that enabled the self leveling system to become activated. The lever in back is not connected. The linkage had been removed. It is in the circuit as the antena? Because the antena works now and id did not with the old Becker radio.

Ritchie · #2 08-26-2012, 04:40 PM

Solved:

The lever had somehow became wedged with the lever on the swaybar. I freed it and it drove just fine. was feeling like a lowriders hydraulics.

Going to have to figure a way to secure that lever.

Hit Man X · #3 08-28-2012, 02:33 AM

Or just fix it? A new lever is under $40 from MB...you should probably service your SLS system while at it.

Ritchie · #4 08-28-2012, 08:16 AM

I was thinking about doing just that Sunday night. When I had the car checked over by a local indi shop, they told me it had been disabled. Maybe the front? I thought SLS only applied to the rear suspension like my Crown Vic. But obviously the rear is still active as when the lever was jammed at "1 O-clock", the back end was way up.

I noticed the reservoir was low so after work yesterday I picked up 3 liters of 11.S mineral oil based, and flushed out the hydraulic fluid.

I will buy the linkage and see what happens. Thanks again Hit Man X

Hit Man X · #5 08-28-2012, 07:26 PM

Probably not disabled, just the rod had worn out.

Is this an MB only shop?

If they did not test the lever with the vehicle running to see if it raise and fell I am not sure I would go there again for service. Did they mention the system was low?

Ritchie · #6 08-29-2012, 08:25 AM

I don't think they tested the system. They saw it was disconnected and assumed it was disabled.(?) He did say it was low but not too low.

The shop is C&B in Katy. They work on Porsche and Mercedes. Some Japanese. There was two 80's Porsches in the shop at the time. He (Craig) has 25 years of Mercedes experience. The first thing he wanted to check was the chain guide and tensioner. he said it was in very good shape. He also said it has a lot of new parts on it. Even has a new fuel distributer which he mentioned is a very good thing. :-)

I got a good impression with them. I would recommend them to others. But it is a small shop and he is busy all the time. There is a CAR Care USA a 1/4 mile from me. One of the mechanics drives a 1982 w123 diesel. I talked to him about our cars and I will take my car to him for an alignment in the near future. He knows Craig and said Craig knows his stuff. I like to do my own work, I have a 1200 sq.ft shop with a lift but I don't have the time most of the time. I need to replace the sub-frame bushings and will tackle that myself some long weekend when it is not like a furnace fan outside. Hopefully the '60 Ranchero will be off the lift by then.

I checked on the SLS connecting rod. Peaches has it for 45$. Look like I could make one with heim joints and some bar stock. But 45 bucks is not bad at all. And I do not know the dimensions. So I will just order one.

Hit Man X · #7 08-29-2012, 02:48 PM

Odd they would assume it was disabled when the struts are still there, accumulators, hoses, oil circulating, etc. As long as you are confident, that is good.

Since I started peeking under the skirts of junkyard 560s (they are not common here) and SLS W126s, each one has had a worn out SLS link out back. Mine included as well as yours. I would prefer one from Heim joints too.

The pump is pretty easy to rebuild and the kit is about $50. I have some pictures if you are interested. The high side hose is a serious punch in the face to route.

Subframe bushings are a PITA on these. A rear diff mount helps big time and is easy to do.

Ritchie · #8 08-30-2012, 08:15 AM

I will check the differential mount. I hear a thunk once in a while when going seams (expansion joints) in the road that are very un-even. Sound like the spare tire or jack is loose. I want to replace the subframe bushings too. But I will do the easy stuff first.
thanks a bunch!

Ritchie · #9 09-04-2012, 08:21 AM

I installed the SLS actuator rod and the ride is very smooth. Not wallowy like a big boat.

I raised the back about one inch, (with a drill bit in the locator hole) adjusted the rod and installed it using the second hole on the lever (end hole). This is where the ball was from the previous rod. I would have thought the first hole would be he correct one. I saw in the manual the last hole was for cars with starting torque compensation and I don't think my 560 has it.

The car still sits a tiny bit low in the back still. I think some new subframe bushings will fix this. I don't want to use the SLS to raise the rear.

Hit Man X · #10 09-04-2012, 09:45 PM

Glad to see you revived your SLS for chump change.

Ritchie · #11 09-05-2012, 08:06 AM

i owe you a cold one. :-)