Rear air cell install 89' 560 SEC
 

Any one have any hints on installing new air cells (accumulators) in the rear of my 89' 560 SEC?

A simple and straight forward job. Be sure to use flare wrenches rather then open end so as not to round off the fittings. Also, after you have the back end up on ramps, be sure to bleed the pressure off the system by attaching a small diameter hose to the bleed screw on the leveling valve, place the hose in a bottle/bucket and open the bleeder. The rear of the car will sit down as the pressure bleeds off, be sure not to have any body parts wrapped up in the suspension when you do this.

Once the system is bled you can start working. Bleeding the system will keep hydraulic fluid from spraying all over when you crack open the first fitting. There will be plenty of residual fluid in the cells and lines that will leak out on you, but the job will be much less messy.

air cells
 

Thanks for the help it came out great...the back end no longer "bounces" but it sags a little...I guess I'll have to buy those $350 shocks after all..
Patrick

Will an adjustment of the leveling valve raise the rear? Are there subframe mounts that might be worn?

Sixto
95 S420
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

Quick question about the air cells: Is it possible to know which cell is gone when the rear bounces or does one HAVE to replace both in every instance. I'm about to purchase a pair for about $180 and was just wondering. My 560 bounces like crazy when I hit the slightest bump and I've even hit my friggin' head on the ceiling a few times and sick of it! Hopefully this will do it
Alan

I don't know if there is a way to isolate the cells to determine which one is bad. Another one of those "best replaced in pairs" items.

$ 180.00 is alot of money just for parts. I got mine from Phil and if I remember they were less than that.

It`s any easy job, Make sure to replace the fluid with MB fluid. After your done, put 250 lb`s in the trunk[ 2 or 3 friends} , start the car and run at 1500 rpms or more and the car should raise to the proper ride height. Put the weight in the trunk before starting the car. Also you can drain the old fluid at the valve near the rear axle, it has a bleeder.

John