[markjpcs]

My 2003 E320 4Matic Wagon is riding a little harsh in the back.

The reservoir is low on fluid. I have a quart waiting for me at the local dealer. I want to top it off to make sure I don't starve any critical components.

I think it's leaking at the cap.

A photo of the mess.

Can I just top it off and see how things go?

Inspected the Accumulators today when it was up on a rack and see no leaks back there. I understand they leak internally. (Yes, I read the DIY)

So, is filling to the max-line OK? Then see how long it takes to drain out again?

What a mess! lol

 

[markjpcs]

Decided to order new accumulators and not waste the $32.00 liter of hydraulic fluid.

 

[delikanli]

Good call!

If its really firm in the back, as in you can see the back bouncing up and down when going over bumps or rough terrain, your accumulators will need to be replaced. This is generally pretty obvious and uncomfortable. It sounds like you made the right call.

 

[magna steyr 210.282]

I have a small leak on my rear struts. Accumulators are good. I'm going to do PM and replace them before winter with new tires and alignment. Hope you can clean up that mess!

 

[markjpcs]

The rear struts look fine. No leaks. I'm calling it accumulators. They have 143k miles on them.

Just did the front upper control arms and lower ball joints today. Nice and tight up front now. Now i need to fix up the rear and we should be good for another 100k or more.