Shock Absorbers - Self Leveling vs regular - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

tivoliman · #1 03-11-2007, 09:53 AM

The 1993 500SEL needs shock absorbers, and it has the self leveling system.

Can I replace all four shocks with those that are for cars without self leveling?

FastLane has both, and there is a big difference in price. ($129 vs. $689 - each)

I'm guessing this would require draining my hydraulic fluid, but is that so bad?

Plus will the shocks fit?

Thanks for the help.

t walgamuth · #2 03-11-2007, 10:08 AM

no.

i will allow others more informed to give the long answer.

tom w

waybomb · #3 03-11-2007, 10:32 AM

I think you'd have to remove the pump. And fabricate a block off plate. And then have a bastard car.
Buy the shocks - you drive a 500SEL, not a Yugo.

t walgamuth · #4 03-11-2007, 10:40 AM

actually before buying them be sure of what you actually need. there are many elements to the system. on my 300td wagon i replaced the struts (the shocklike things) when it actually only needed the much cheaper spheres.

tom w

Hatterasguy · #5 03-11-2007, 03:41 PM

How do you know the shocks are bad? Do a search their has been a lot posted, usualy the shocks don't go bad.

I have been told that its usualy the accumulator's that fail giving a stiff ride, which can lead to the seals being blown out of the shocks if ignored.

http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/sophio/wizard.jsp?partner=mercedesshop&clientid=catalog.mercedesshop&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&cookieid=21B0XKG2A21B0XKJMR&year=1993&make=MB&model=500-SEL-002&category=L&part=Accumulator

Sopal · #6 03-11-2007, 07:35 PM

I just bought an 85 300TD wagon , and was told the rear shocks were isolated and filled with mineral oil ,,,

I would like to know what this means for my ride? when I need to replace? should I replace ? this is my FIRST MB ,,and dont have a clue as to the shocks

Peter Guenther · #7 03-11-2007, 08:49 PM

The 140 body uses a self leveling pump that is tandem to the power steering pump, you will find a reservoir for the hydraulic oil behind the drivers side headlamp. The oil is in constant flow, and controlled by a clve attached to the rear axle, the Oil is rounted to accumulators which are balls filled with nitrogen and a diaphram. They are attached to to the hydraulic struts.If the hydraulic struts (shock look alike) leak, they are bad, but do not have to be replaced in pairs. The most common problem is the accumulator diaphram rupturing, and causing the rear end to be bouncey at first and then vey hard. The spheres are less than $100 each, and they both should be replaced. The going rate for thae job should be around $300. It is a messy jok and requires some good wrenches for the flare nuts. The level of the car and springs were designed to have residual pressure, and with regular shocks It will sit lower unless you change springs, and now you have screwed up the car.
I would find an independent that knows the system look at it and repair it.

tivoliman · #8 03-11-2007, 08:57 PM

The ca r was "bouncing" down the road several years ago, and was told then that the Blats and the Shocks (rear) should be replaced.

Penny wise - I replaced the blat and not the shocks.

Well the front plastic bumper cover has been hitting the stops in parking lots - suggested the car is lower than it should be.

Also - the shock test (pushing down on the front - and watching how many bounces before it stops) - the car bounces back and forth about 3 - 4 time, suggesting the front shocks are not absorbing any of the activity.

And the car has original shock - with 180K miles.

I'm thinking the car just needs some long term suspension attention.

Thanks again

Hatterasguy · #9 03-11-2007, 11:31 PM

AFAIK the S500 in US trim usualy has regular gas front shocks, IE about $100 each for Bilsteins.

http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/sophio/quote.jsp?clientid=catalog.mercedesshop&cookieid=21B0XKG2A21B1EDBA8&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&partner=mercedesshop&year=1992&product=L4000-40498&application=000353511

If you do not have ADS you are looking at $216 to do front shocks.

Which shocks are you talking about front or rear?

pcmaher · #10 03-12-2007, 08:12 AM

http://v12uberalles.com/Accumulators.htm