I have an '84 300TD wagon that is leaking around both rear wheels. I just got it back from my mechanic today who had changed the transmission and differential fluid (he also found some random vacuum hoses that were hanging loose and reattached them). When I dropped it off I asked him about the self-leveling suspension because it seemed to me that it was sagging in the rear. I've only had the car for about 4 months so I don't know much about the self-leveling suspension or how I'd know if was working properly or not. My mechanic didn't know much about it either (he works on mainly American and Japanese gas engines) but he said he didn't notice anything that would make him certain that it wasn't operating properly. I've attached some pictures of the puddles and the area under the car (right next to rear wheels) where it is leaking from. From what I've looked up it looks like it's the area where my pressure reservoirs might be located, but I'm not sure why they would have started leaking so bad since my mechanic didn't do anything with them. So, does anyone know what the fluid is that's leaking and what I need to have repaired/looked at?

Attached Thumbnails

     

If I understand your third picture correctly, I'd say the hydraulic rams in the SLS are leaking. Are these leaks new? Pressure reservoirs (accumulators) are visible under the car so your mechanic should be able to get a good look at them.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

Thanks. As long as I'm refilling the fluid, could I drive it for a while like this, or would I be causing more damage?

I'd agree with kerry, either you rear struts are leaking or both the accumulators are leaking. Keep the system full of fluid will keep you from damaging things, but I looks like a pretty good leak, and you're likely to loose a lot of fluid.

Here is some info one how the SLS works and troubleshooting the system
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=271570

Also I'd find another mechanic. I'm sure the guy you took it to is a good mechanic, but it's best to have one that is familiar with your car. If you're the DIY type this forum will be the most useful tool you can have.

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Also...


It looks like that is ATF leaking on the ground. I think many would agree that you should not have that in the suspension system.

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Actually, the SLS system uses power steering fluid that can be substituted with transmission fluid, so its fine, just keep it full to make sure it doesnt burn the pump.

Where are you getting these specifications from?

-not all mineral-based oils are the same

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I thought the 5 cyl engines have same fluid for both systems. no?

The W124 wagon shares a pump shaft with the Power Steering, but the fluids are separate.

There are some ATF mixes that are ok in Power steering... perhaps they are ok in SLS as well, but just from reading this forum and seeing what ATF can do to old rubber, I think its advised against.

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this is incorrect! ATF is abrasive, and destructive on the system.
IF you wish to use non MB fluid in the SLS, FEBI suspension fluid sold on this site is acceptable, and is correct for the car.
if you REALLY want to save some $$ you can substitute tractor fluid type ISO46
DO NOT USE THE AW46 fluid, it's not good for the rams.
the 6 cylinder vehicles use a powersteering pump with TWO reservoirs. the pump reservoir uses power steering fluid, but the SLS reservoir uses the same fluid as the 5 cylinder models use!

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

I see now, sorry for the confusion, i thought it was the same for some reason

2nd that the fluid for the sls suspension is not the same as power steering fluid. your system is leaking because someone used ATF in it. get it out of there and fast. use the MB hydraulic suspension fluid (make sure you tell the dealer you have sls suspension because the fluid is not pentosin for the ABC suspension)

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1987 300D 180k
1985 300SD 330k Helga
1992 300D Lola 269k- Sold
1986 325 coupe Bessie >300k Original engine(ODO Broke) sold
2006 2500HD Druamax Linda- Tows boat and looks pretty in garage thats about it

ATF is abrasive?

I thought it was a lubricant.

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Cheers!
Scott McPhee

1987 300D

I'm fairly sure it is (was) ATF in my suspension system. The guy I bought it from said you could use ATF, so I think that's what was in there at the time I bought it. So, from the looks of it would you say my suspension is ruined, or will it be fine as long as I have the proper fluid put it? Is it possible to flush the system to get all the ATF out?

Probably depends on how long it was run with ATF. I'd flush the system with mineral oil. Then fill it with the proper Febi SLS fluid and see what happens. Though I'd take car of the leaks in the rear before I did any flushing. Crawl under the car and look for the highest are forward most point of the leak, and you'll probably find the source. You can also wipe everything down, and then run the car a bit to see if you can see exactly were it's leaking.

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