Hydraulic suspension removal

I know there are already posts about removing the rear hydraulic suspension in 2.3-16's, but they all talk about removing the whole system from the car. Is there any way to just remove only a couple parts so the system would be present, just deactivated. I need new rear shocks, but I would rather deactivate the system and install gas shocks than REMOVE the whole system and install gas shocks.
I would also like to know if the hydraulic suspension can be reinstalled after it is removed. I would like to have the option to possibly install it back to stock condition later when I have the money for those expensive hydraulic parts.

[Benzmac]

How do you know that you need new shocks? Are they leaking? IF not, you just need new accumulators installed. It is an easy job and will make the car feel like new.

Bekkers offers a kit to delete the hydraulic and go with regular shocks and springs.

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Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
1991 GMC Syclone
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

How would I be able to tell if there was fluid leaking out of the shock?

Also, how do you drain the hydraulic fluid out of the system? The color of my fluid is brown. I don't know if that is the normal color, but I am changing it anyway because I am sure it hasn't been changed in a while.

[fz500sel]

As for the fluid leaking out of your shock, you would be able to see it. It wouldn't be a steady stream or anything like that. Just fresh fluid on the outside of the shock housing. Typically coming from the seal where the two parts of the cylinder meet. (in the middle).

I have a '85 500SEL Euro and have the hydropneumatic suspension on all four corners. I noticed that I have a hydrostrut on the front that has a small leak in it. I'm going to have to replace it.



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FrankieZ
84 500SEL EURO 87K
85 300D 267K (and still goin' strong)

[This message has been edited by fz500sel (edited 07-25-2000).]

[mbdoc]

What Benzmac is telling you about the rear shocks is; if they aren't leaking they are probably good. If you disconnect any of the system you WILL have to install different springs or rear-end will drag! The shock dampening takes place in the accumulators & this is the reason for rough ride.

[bbrewer]

I have what I think is a similar problem. This is a 1994 S500, and the rear of the car sits rather low. I could live with that, but recently I am starting to feel a lot of "springyness" from the rear. There seems to be a definite lack of shock dampening.
Would this be a shock problem, or an accumulator problem. The car has 91k miles on it. And out of curiosity, how much would those parts be, and is it feasible for a DIY repair??

Thanks, Barry