Self level system questions 300TE - Benzworld.org

draglink · 10-01-2007, 09:21 AM

Hello fellas. I have a '89 300TE. The self leveling system seems to be not working. The car bounces harsh going down the road. Has gotten worse over the past week. Now its horrible. I think the reservoir is mounted along the inside drivers fender. If so, that is full according to the dipstick. I have read on this site it is prob. the accumulators. What to I check first? Are there any fuses or relays to check? How do I know if its the accumulators or the pump? Thanks, Mike

MiguelXJ · 10-01-2007, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by draglink

Hello fellas. I have a '89 300TE. The self leveling system seems to be not working. The car bounces harsh going down the road. Has gotten worse over the past week. Now its horrible. I think the reservoir is mounted along the inside drivers fender. If so, that is full according to the dipstick. I have read on this site it is prob. the accumulators. What to I check first? Are there any fuses or relays to check? How do I know if its the accumulators or the pump? Thanks, Mike

Its the accumulators.

Search this forum, lots of info on this...

The accumulators are divided with a rubber membrane, filled with gas on top and filled with hydraulic oil below... Thing is, your membrane is broke and the gas got away... leaving the oil in the whole accum.

As you know, the oil is an uncompressible fluid... thats why you're bouncing like there's no tomorrow

draglink · 10-01-2007, 12:46 PM

MiguelXJ-thanks, for the info. I had read a little by searching. Just wanted to be sure there wasnt something else. Would hate to spend the time and $ and have it be something else. Thats what it all points to. I removed the cargo plate and found the accumulators. Looks like three bolts, a large and a small hydraulic connection. Any advice to remove and replace accumulators? Thanks, Mike

draglink · 10-01-2007, 02:44 PM

Another thing I noticed, after I jacked the car up to check how the accumulators where mounted, the car sits an inch or two higher. Still has harsh ride, but sits higher???

MiguelXJ · 10-01-2007, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by draglink

Another thing I noticed, after I jacked the car up to check how the accumulators where mounted, the car sits an inch or two higher. Still has harsh ride, but sits higher???

While you're under there, check the levelling valve linkage for binding.

The TE will "settle down" once you start driving.

Best advice on removing accumulators: Use LOTS od WD40, the bolts tend to rust...

draglink · 10-01-2007, 03:10 PM

Thanks again, I saw that valve, looks like it had some sort of linkage that connects to the sway bar maybe? Looked OK. Thanks, Mike

MiguelXJ · 10-02-2007, 03:30 AM

[quote=draglink;2566674]Thanks again, I saw that valve, looks like it had some sort of linkage that connects to the sway bar maybe? Looked OK. Thanks, Mike[/QUOTE

Yes, it connects to the swaybar.