Questions and Answers

Mercedes Benz 300TD Leveling Shocks Q. Hi Vincent, here's the problem: The rear shocks on my turbo wagon are shot,the turbo wagon has self-leveling hydraulics. I know for a fact because not only does the car sag down when it's off, but it's a trampoline when riding in it. It's really bad, I'm often scared to turn while going over a bump, thinking I might spin out.

My question was that if you know of any way I can fix the problem myself without spending $300.00 on each shock. Is the problem even the shocks, or is it the level controller? Is there any way to convert the system to a gas-based so I can save money? I'll take any solution that's cheaper than $600.00 plus labor!!! Thanks for your help.

• 1982 Mercedes Benz 300TD
• 3.0 liter 5 cylinder turbo diesel
• Automatic transmission
• 245,000 miles

Arash

A. Most likely the seals in the cartridges are leaking fluid back into the system, which is causing your stabilization problem or lack of dampening. It is possible to retrofit these units with conventional shock absorbers but it takes a very cooperative parts counterman to go through and find shock absorbers with the same mounting scheme and dampening pressure.

Aftermarket coil over type helper springs can be installed on the shock absorbers chosen to fit the vehicle. The drawbacks to this are obvious. If you find a shock with the right mounts and the right length but the dampening is too soft they will wear out quickly and you will be back to where you started. If the dampening is too stiff then your wagon will ride like a lumber wagon.

OEM replacements do appear to be less expensive than you mentioned on this particular site: Autoparts.Com.

There are many more parts suppliers online, you might perform a Google search on Mercedes Suspension Components.