PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post

Maxbumpo · #7 08-22-2016, 12:14 PM

For a 123 wagon, FSM procedure 32-530 says "adjustment of discharge valve to guarantee basic pressure: 30 + 8 bar". I interpret that to mean that with a proper gauge and the proper procedure, that discharge valve (which operates in the neutral lever position) should open to discharge excessive pressure at 38 bar, and close up after relieving excessive pressure at 30 bar. An adjusted ride height that won't risk damage to the discharge valve should be 30 bar or less, anything close to 38 bar is risking damage in my opinion.

In my case, I did not have a hydraulic pressure gauge or any of the other special tools (for my 124 wagon), so I loaded up the car with the weight specified in the service manual for "ready to drive" which was full load of fuel and all other liquids topped up, spare tire and factory tool kit present and in place, and two adults in the front seat. I estimated a weight for two average adults in 1987 (probably a lower figure than the average adult today, I think I used something like 150 lbs per adult) and used whatever I had around to fill up the two front seats with 150lbs each. I then inserted the pin to hold the lever in the neutral position, and adjusted the control rod to fit, and then test drove the car. My ride height was too low for my taste using this method, so I adjusted it just slightly higher so that front-to-rear of the car showed to be level, and left it at that. Now the rear end does sag under load more than it should, so I've probably got it set on the low side, but I'd rather endure a ride that is a little less than optimal in order to preserve that SLS control valve, which may not be rebuild-able on the 124 cars.