Got a '90 230 TE which is sagging at the back. I checked the suspension fluid and found a leak in at the pump - Not a bad leak but the pump/seal will be replaced. However when I fill the tank again the back end is still lower.

Question - What controls the height of the car? Is the springs or the shocks or a combination. Could the springs be weak?

thanks

When the car's empty, the springs are supposed to support the weight of the car, keeping it level. However, as you ad weight the load-leveling suspension's triggered to compensate, then the struts help to support the weight.

Regardless, when your car's running the car should be level...either supported by the springs alone or supplemented by the load-leveling shocks. If the rear end's always low, then you would appear to have worn springs in addition to load-leveling system issues.

Hope this helps.


------------------
Best regards, Michael
'92 500E
'88 300TE

After a leak is repaired on the hydraulic systems, you usually have to jump start the system by disconnecting the arm that goes to the leveling valve and moving it in the loaded position with the engine running on a drive on lift. Watch the rear until it raises and reconnect in the original spot. IF this doesn't work, check the accumulators.

------------------
Benzmac:
1981 280GE SWB
1987 16V
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

Thanks for all the info. Going to check out some of the suggestions later today. Right not the back is so low that it raises the front of the car by about an inch - Doe's wonders for handling.