SL steering/handling

[bukzin]

Just bought a 1997 SL 500 Sport with 65,000 miles.

No past experience with MB's. It seems to handle oddly
at times.
It feels squirrely after hitting a small bump or driving over
un-even pavement.

The shocks feel OK and the steering does not feel loose.
As far as a newbie can tell!


Is this to be expected in this model?

Where else might I learn about this?


Thanks,
Bukzin

[aam]

[quote=bukzin;1671281]Just bought a 1997 SL 500 Sport with 65,000 miles.

No past experience with MB's. It seems to handle oddly
at times.
It feels squirrely after hitting a small bump or driving over
un-even pavement.

The shocks feel OK and the steering does not feel loose.
As far as a newbie can tell!


Is this to be expected in this model?

Where else might I learn about this?
Thanks, bukzin.

No it is not normal.
Ck, in your manual.
If you have the sport suspension look if you have oil in the reservoir.
Careful is a special hydraulic oil.
If this is ok.
I think that the air cells are bad causing the rear to be hard.
The cells have nitrogen in them when it leaks out, you will have this kind of problems.
They don't last more then 10 years.
Look under hydraulic suspension and air cells.

If you have regular suspension.
Replace your struts & shocks.

Regardes, aam.

[kstreufert]

The upper front strut mounts are a common problem and can cause the front end to get very squirrelly when driven over rough spots in the pavement. I had to replace mine at 80K. If they get bad enough you can end up with a strut going through the top of your hood (very expensive). The good news is that it is not a difficult DIY job.