Deleting SLS? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Mark DiSilvestro · #1 04-10-2009, 05:03 PM

Since my 84 TD sits low in the rear and rides like a truck, I'm considering replacing the accumulators. They look like they've never been touched and I found some locally for about $110 each.
I did a couple Forum searches and did find some posts stating that continued driving with failed accumulators can blow out the rear shock-units. Also that if the SLS-pump ever fails, a new one is over $1200!
I was unable to find any info on whether or not it's possible to convert the wagon rear suspension to regular shocks and eliminate any future hassles or expense with the SLS. I was wondering if this is an option? Thanks in advance.

Happy Motoring, Mark

aaa · #2 04-10-2009, 06:14 PM

1) Fix your SLS
2) Keep eye out for wagon in junkyard
3) Obtain pump & struts for cheap there
4) Have your cake and eat it too

People have ditched it before, though there is no guide.

sd300td · #3 04-10-2009, 06:21 PM

There are conversion kits out there, but be forewarned you lose ride quality and overall utility of the vehicle when loading up the cargo bay.

Converting it may also lessen the car's value.

kerry · #4 04-10-2009, 07:00 PM

NO. Check out ForcedInductions's conversion thread from years ago.

Mark DiSilvestro · #5 04-10-2009, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sd300td

There are conversion kits out there, but be forewarned you lose ride quality and overall utility of the vehicle when loading up the cargo bay.

Converting it may also lessen the car's value.

If possible, I'd like to repair the SLS. However, if this goes much beyond replacement of the accumulators, I'd like to know what my other options are.
Meanwhile, around here, I've only seen one salvage-yard W123 wagon in the past several years and it was picked pretty clean.
My decision as to whether or not I will convert the rear suspension will also depend on if the conversion requires permanent modfications to the car, or whether those changes would be easily reversible.

Happy Motoring, Mark

JawJee · #6 04-10-2009, 07:15 PM

Hey

Whatever you'd have to do to scrap the SLS system almost certainly wouldn't be reversible. You'd have to fabricate some new mounts for the springs and stuff, it would be a bit haywire. the best thing to do would probably be to go to a good 4x4 shop and have them do it, they do that kind of work all the time.

My advice is the same as aaa's: get a parts car. I picked up a second wagon in lousy shape (interior) for 800 bucks. the value of a few choice components (ie SLS pump) i think makes this avenue worth it.

also, IMO, the sls is just cool! we have robotic (seeming) rear suspension, an elegant example of mechanical automation.

George

Mark DiSilvestro · #7 04-10-2009, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JawJee

Hey

Whatever you'd have to do to scrap the SLS system almost certainly wouldn't be reversible. You'd have to fabricate some new mounts for the springs and stuff, it would be a bit haywire. the best thing to do would probably be to go to a good 4x4 shop and have them do it, they do that kind of work all the time.

My advice is the same as aaa's: get a parts car. I picked up a second wagon in lousy shape (interior) for 800 bucks. the value of a few choice components (ie SLS pump) i think makes this avenue worth it.

also, IMO, the sls is just cool! we have robotic (seeming) rear suspension, an elegant example of mechanical automation.

George

From further searches, it looks like some thicker rubber coil saddles to raise the ride height, and fabricated mounts & extensions to limit bottoming the sedan-shocks could work, but no telling what, if any, ride improvement I could expect.
Anyway, my rear hydraulic cylinders aren't leaking, the reservoir is full, and the fluid looks clear - not old or ATF. The control valve is an unknown.
Meanwhile, I'll check my factory manual and see how much fun the accumulators will be.

Happy Motoring, Mark

kerry · #8 04-10-2009, 08:24 PM

Accumulators are easy. Half hour each side. Drain the system first either through the bleeder screw on the valve or by slightly cracking the line to the accumulator.

#9 04-10-2009, 08:30 PM

The cost of fixing the system and maintaining it is cheap compared to the much worse ride quality, lower resale value and lower hauling capacity of "converting" it.

I have yet to hear from anyone that is completely happy after removing the SLS.

johninva · #10 04-10-2009, 08:54 PM

they say that if the shocks are not leaking than they are okay. i think the pumps are not prone to failure. it has been said here before regarding wagons sls issues that it is always the accumulators. mostly true i would say. they are an easy replace. i got new a new set off ebay for 160.00 a year ago. w123's in the junkyards around here are stripped Quick. wagons are rare. keep an eye out on ebay for a pair of shocks for when you need them. pretty straightforward system really. some info here
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=195914

and here

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=202720&highlight=32-501

ignore all the stuff where i dont know what im talking about and see post #15 from maxbumpo from dave bruckman .

try to find service manual section 32-501

good luck

leathermang · #11 04-11-2009, 09:04 AM

Be sure to wear goggles when working on it....
AND see the actual FSM Warnings about safety procedures when working on it.

JimmyL · #12 04-11-2009, 09:54 AM

Everything gets repaired on these cars except the SLS, and instead of fixing it somebody always wants to delete the system.
I won't go into my usual rant, but just fix the bleeping system and enjoy the wagon to it's fullest extent.
Expensive parts can be sourced used........

daw_two · #13 04-11-2009, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyL

Everything gets repaired on these cars except the SLS, and instead of fixing it somebody always wants to delete the system.
I won't go into my usual rant, but just fix the bleeping system and enjoy the wagon to it's fullest extent.
Expensive parts can be sourced used........

Yeah, I have a w123 and a w124 pump; a w124 valve and two w124 shocks. Oh, I also have a w123 and a w124 hydraulic fluid reservoir. So, figure out what you need and post it in the PARTS forum. We try to help each other around ....here. It's a peachy world.

JawJee · #14 04-12-2009, 12:32 AM

another thing might be that the wee little valve linkage may have slipped slightly where it clamps to the sway bar. its just a little u-bolt that holds it on there and mine was pretty rusty and loose, so the sls ride height was always variable. push the forward end of the linkage up to raise the ride height, and down to lower it.

Dee8go · #15 04-12-2009, 08:37 AM

I think it's the nitrogen spheres that usually fail first, Mark. My wagon has shocks now, in place of the SLS and the ride is pretty hard. I don't mind it that much, but fixing the SLS will definitely give you a softer, smoother ride.

The rubber membrane in those spheres is the weakest link in the system. I priced out new ones in case my SEC needs them. As I recall, new ones were around $190 apiece.