News:

www.W116.org - By the people, for the people!

Main Menu

front/rear hydraulic suspension leveling valve

Started by boarhead, 08 May 2018, 02:51 PM

Repair or replace sls hydra

Repair
1 (50%)
Replace
1 (50%)

Total Members Voted: 2

boarhead

Hi, I have a 1978 Mercedes 450sel 6.9. The vehicle was refurbished 10 years ago including hydrropneumatic sls. Recently I found a leak under the  rear end.  The accumulators and lines are fine.  The  Hydropneumatic Self Leveling Suspension Valve rubber seal that has the arm the extends from it. Can I rebuild this valve myself or do I have purchase a re-manufactured one which as you know is expensive 950.00 to 1200.00.

Any advice how to fix this is appreciated.


daantjie

If the accumulators are 10 years old they are past due for replacement. Good opportunity to dump the old fluid and flush as well as replace the in tank filter. Lack of use and dirty fluid kills these systems over time.
Daniel
1977 450 SEL 6.9 - Astralsilber

boarhead

Thank you. What about the hydropneumatic self leveling valve which has a blown seal  leaked?  Is there a rebuild kit for it or do I have to purchase one.

nathan

Boar,
does it just leak, or does it leak and the car drops? if its only a small leak and the car doesn't drop, bide your time until maybe you find a 'good deal' for whatever that may be! give that valve a very good degreasing and cleaning with it in place and see where it Leaks, your pic is very dirty (I know its hard to get under the car!) so its hard to tell if its road grime.
these valves are notoriously difficult to repair well. plenty of very knowledgable people on this forum have "had a go", only to find after a short period things went pear shaped.  It doesn't necessarily mean you need to buy a remanufactured on, perhaps hunt for a used valve. ideally the seller is local and is reputable so if it doesn't work, they'll accept it back. ive had a few of my used valves (from wrecked running cars)  end up on other peoples cars and not had any dramas.
there are a couple of germans who can repair them.  this includes the well respected company Kienle (outside Stuttgart).  I saw their premises last year and they had an impressive repair and testing setup!
good luck.
1979 116 6.9 #6436
2018 213 e63
2011 212 e63
2011 463 g55
2007 211 e500 wagen
1995 124 e320 cabriolet
1983 460 300gd
1981 123 280te

daantjie

Quote from: boarhead on 09 May 2018, 12:43 AM
Thank you. What about the hydropneumatic self leveling valve which has a blown seal  leaked?  Is there a rebuild kit for it or do I have to purchase one.

Send me a PM
Daniel
1977 450 SEL 6.9 - Astralsilber

tcj

remanufactoring these valves needs knowledge, machines, prefabricated parts, special tools and test equipment.
Sometimes it is enough to replace O-Rings, but in most valves you will find worn metal and worn teflon rings
that lead to leakeages you cannot overcome by replacing O-Rings.
If you want a full rebuild - check http://600airsuspension.com/#hpf
112.021
113.042
116.028
116.036

boarhead

Here are some pics of the leaking front/rear hydropneumatic leveling valve. Looks like it needs replacement (very expensive)? Is it easy to install a re-manufactured one?
:-\

Thank you.

daantjie

What you are seeing is very common with these older systems.  Unfortunately there is no cheap fix.  Rebuilt is still way cheaper than new units.  They became available again recently after many years being NLA.  I think the cost of new valve is 1640 USD from Benz, so do the math, a rebuilt unit @ less than half that is a bargain.  These cars were expensive to maintain new and they are expensive to maintain now, no way around that :-\
Daniel
1977 450 SEL 6.9 - Astralsilber

Harv

Send it out for a rebuild. That is your best bet.
1980 300SD
1983 240D
2000 E55 AMG
2002 G500

nathan

Boar,
I was just checking eBay and saw this rebuilt valve
https://www.ebay.com/itm/front-rear-hydraulic-suspension-leveling-valve-for-Mercedes-450SEL-6-9-W126/302483638779?epid=2278115718&hash=item466d6e09fb:g:6UYAAOSwgiRZ3SMk&vxp=mtr
for 950 US that seems pretty fair and seems like a good looking unit. Star Motors has a good rep.
you will only need to do this once in your ownership (unless you keep the car 40 years!)
1979 116 6.9 #6436
2018 213 e63
2011 212 e63
2011 463 g55
2007 211 e500 wagen
1995 124 e320 cabriolet
1983 460 300gd
1981 123 280te

boarhead

Thank all of you for your great recommendation. I will purchase a rebuilt hydropnuematic leveling valve or remove the current one and send it to 600airsuspension.com. Hope to get around to doing this next month. I will let you all know how it turns out. Meanwhile I will replace the rear accumulators since they are over 10 years old. Once I get the rebuilt valve installed. I will flush the system and put in fresh fluid. Any other recommendations?

tcj

starmotors: please note that you will have to add $300 as a core charge.
112.021
113.042
116.028
116.036