230TE Merc behaving like a Citroen

[MIKE236]

Dear All.
Have a problem with my rear self-levelling system. Had the spheres, shocks and springs replaced last year and all was well until about 2 weeks ago when I noticed something strange. Whenever starting the car, I noticed the rear staring to rise like that of a citroen! eventhough I am alone and no extra load in the car. Subsequently, noticed that when car is parked, it will sag down leaving about a 1.5 cm clearance between tyre and wheel arch and rises up everytime I start the car.

Two days ago after changing a flat, I noticed that the rear behaved again like normal i.e. no more rising on starts and does not sag when engine is turned off. However, today, similar symptoms appeared after carrying a 150kg load in the rear.

Would be very grateful if anyone is able to pinpoint as to why this is happening. Every opinion or advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks and cheers.

 

[joe bloggs]

Sounds like the connecting rod between suspension and self levelling valve is adrift, easy to check.

 

[MIKE236]

Thanks Joe.

However, need some confirmation. Is it the pipe which connects the shocks with the accumulator spheres? Had a check under the car and everything appears tight and no leaking fluid noted on both sides. Not sure how to check drift in position of the connection. Would be grateful if somkeone could provide some pointers.

 

[joe bloggs]

Small valve under rear of car, connected to rear suspension by a small adjustable rod, has a habit of coming off resulting in the valve fully opening (back end sits up)

 

[TimN]

Sounds like your self levelling valve is in need of refurbishment. I have been trying to attach a photograph of a stripped down valve which was still attached to the vehicle but at 756kb it is too big and I don't know how to make it smaller. The refurb kit costs about £35 from the dealer even though all you really need is an oring. The task only takes an an hour. I am writing a guidance note on how to do this with the valve still attached to the vehicle. This will be available shortly. I can email you a copy if interested. Don't try to take the valve off the vehicle. You will end up having to buy feed and return pipes at great expense.

 

[MIKE236]

Thanks Tim and Joe for your pointers.

Joe, your diagnosis of valve fully opeing is spot on because I realise before the sagging came is that the back end was a wee bit too high on flat ground. Now I understand how that happens.

Tim..thanks for your input regarding the valve. Looks like that is the culprit judging from Joe's diagonsis. Thanks for the tip of not taking anything apart. Would be very grateful if you could send me a copy of the instructions that you mention either via email or PM.

Thanks again all. You have been of great help. Cheers.

 

[Big Jim]

Hello Chaps,

I've just bought an old tired 200TE and it is displaying the same symptoms. I would be very interested in receiving a copy of the document you are compiling Tim.

I've only just joined so i can't PM yet, so I would appreciate it very much if you could send it to me

Thanks in advance

Jim

 

[auntiephil]

230te self levelling....not

hi , first post,be nice.
following on from the above, my 230te does not seem to self level it just seems to stay at the same level with engine on or off.Also, the ride at the back is rock hard compared to the front, can anyone help with this?
greatful for any replies,phil. :grin:

 

[andy_k]

hi , first post,be nice.
following on from the above, my 230te does not seem to self level it just seems to stay at the same level with engine on or off.Also, the ride at the back is rock hard compared to the front, can anyone help with this?
greatful for any replies,phil. :grin:

yep, my first guess is that the accumulator spheres are knackered. The only fix is to replace them. It's a fiddly messy job but well worth the effort.

Andy

 

[TimN]

If you send me your email addresses I will despatch some notes and pictures to you.

 

[auntiephil]

thanks tim, you can contact me at madhousekp@tesco.net, cheers phil