Well... I topped off the hydraulic fluid with fluid from the MB dealer (who isn't too bad) Then I started the car and checked the tank return for foaming. It does not appear to be doing anything at all!

Should I see a stream of fluid returning to the hydraulic oil tank at all times?

I saw a link to this MB part number for a manual on CD: P-2700-124-099 Model 124 Start Classic CD-ROM for 64.98. Is this the manual I want for this car?

Thanks a lot!... again

__________________
Tim Benner

00 ML320 170K
95 E320 wgn 160K

Should I see a stream of fluid returning to the hydraulic oil tank at all times?
Yes
Sorry, I don't know the part number for the CD.

Bob

Thanks Bob. There is also a worn sway bar link on the right side that might be clunking. But it looks like the SLS is a bigger problem.

Does anyone have tips on troubleshooting an SLS system where no oil is being returned to the tank?

__________________
Tim Benner

00 ML320 170K
95 E320 wgn 160K

Check your email...

J. M. van Swaay

That will give me something to study and at least have a clue

__________________
Tim Benner

00 ML320 170K
95 E320 wgn 160K

A very kind member sent me a comprehensive manual on my SLS system. The first think I checked was the cloth covered hose from the hydaulic reservoir to the pump. That is some pretty tight quarters down there if you have anything but the smallest hands! It was pretty old and brittle and was kinked closed where it goes under the headlight. I replaced it with some generic 3/8" hose frm advance auto. The hose is marked Fuel Injector Line.

Then we started getting a nice stream of oil being returned to the reservoir! Feeling lucky! My son and I went and sat on the back with the tailgate open and engine running bouncing the car up and down waiting for something to happen. Nothing. So we took it for a 10 mile ride to bed and feel out the brakes (new pads and hoses all around and changed the fluid this weekend). The float in the back end gradually went away.

When we got home we tried to bounce the back end up and down again. Now, on the down bounce, the system catches you about halfway down and you come up slow. Checked the reservoir for foaming and there is none. Feeling *very* lucky and knocking on serious wood. I realize that there is still much that can go wrong downstream of the pump but for now it seems to be working. The car handles nice and tight but not harsh at all.

The thunking is gone, replaced by a creak that I think I can see in the swaybar bushings and links. It still sits about 1/2" lower on the left side even when I am not in it. Any advice on remedying that would be appreciated. Also, do you think I can leave that generic hose on there or should I order a MB replacement part?

Sincere thanks to all that helped with this issue. This one may just have a happy ending.

__________________
Tim Benner

00 ML320 170K
95 E320 wgn 160K

Jumping up & down in rear won't tell you anything about the SLS. To test SLS, read my 7-18 post.

Any hose for hi pressure hydraulic fluid should be ok.

Spray "Protectant 303" on the suspensions bushings. It's formulated for synthetic and natural rubber. It's used on boat trailer and motor home tires to help longevity.

Bob

While bouncing in the back of the car is not quite a scientific test, it was heartening that it stopped bouncing. We'll get the tape measure out tonight and approach it a little more exactly.

Where would one look for protectant 303? It would be nice to quiet the creaking down as I replace bushings one weekend at a time. I was hoping to put that off at least one weekend so I can change the trans filter and fluid.

Thanks and regards,

__________________
Tim Benner

00 ML320 170K
95 E320 wgn 160K

Where would one look for protectant 303?

boat trailer and motor home dealers