Hello,

I e-mailed this to Donnie by mistake (should have been in this forum in the first place) and he was kind enough to reply.

I have a 1987 190 16v smoke silver auto. I replaced the rear shocks 2 years ago with the original Sachs brand. After I installed it, the car was lower because when I try to jack the car up at the back I have to raise the body a little bit otherwise the jack will not slide in. I notice that the hydraulic fluid is very dark, but full. The ride was fine though at that time.

I live in New York, after I switched to winter tires ( Blizzak) I noticed that the car bounce up more when I hit a small bump. I almost hit the roof of the car. What could be the reason, can you help? Also, I checked the coils and the multi links and the bushings are fine and tight. There are no leaks that I can see and the level is normal. Could it be the snow tires (proper pressure) or the cells are bad?

Donnie suggested that it might be the accumulator, are these the 2 oblong/round? parts near the shocks? I really appreciate it if someone can describe it for me. I also would like to ask if what is the life expectancy of the coils.

Great forum.

Regards,
Orlie
87 190 16v-automatic smoke silver
01 c320 silver
00 Impreza 2.5 RS/ Blue Ridge Pearl

Orlie,
The accumulators (also called air cells or nitrogen cells or pressure spheres) act as 'shock absorbers' in the self-levelling system...sounds like yours need replacing. You can't miss them, they are the two spheres mounted under the car behind the rear suspension.

air cells/ accumulators
 

Hi Glenn,

Thanks for the prompt reply. I was quoted a price of $130 each. I replaced the hydraulic shocks myself, is there a proper sequence to follow in replacing the air cells? I like to change the hydraulic fluid,the reservoir looks dirty, Is there a way to bleed the system etc..

Again thanks for the help.
Regards,
Orlie
87 190e 2.3 16-auto
01 c320
00 subaru impreza 2.3 RS

Re: air cells/ accumulators
 

The full procedure is detailed in the chassis manual. If you've already replaced the struts then you know to release the pressure in the system. After that you just remove and replace the spheres. The spheres will most likely be full of hydraulic fluid so be prepared for a mess. Drain the storage tank in the engine bay and refill with fresh fluid, be sure to get the right stuff. To bleed the system, start the engine and ask a friend to bounce on the rear of the car. Keep an eye on the fluid level and replenish as necessary. The experts can fill in any of my oversights, but that's about it.

Good luck!

Thanks Glen

The hydraulic rear suspension in my 16V has been replaced with Koni adjustable shocks. While at it Delsing Motorsport installed Eibach springs with a Delsing perch kit and some of their other goodies. So the pump, resevoir and original shocks now reside in my basement.

stock shocks
 

Hi Robby,

I would like to keep to stock shocks. I will try to keep the car original.

Regards,

No one rides in my back seat and I don't carry a load in the trunk so I don't need a self leveling system for my 4-door sedan. Konis won't require the expensive maintenance of the self leveling. It is fine to keep it original. We all do what we like with our cars.

Cheers

Robby