280 TE hydraulic rear suspension

[half_throttle]

Hi Chaps

Thank goodness I've found you!

I've owned a 1982 280 TE for about a year now.

On checking it over originally, I found the rear suspension hydraulic reservoir totally empty.

My friendly local service man flushed the system through and bled it and the suspension then worked perfectly.

Unfortunately it occasionally stops working but, by cracking the banjo joint on top of the pump, a small amount of air can be bled out causing it to start working again.

The funny thing is, there's not a sign of a leak anywhere and I haven't had to top the reservoir up again! :? Any ideas where to start looking?

I now carry a 17mm spanner with me at all times!

My first Merc too, 22 years old, runs like a dream and I love it.

TIA

Paul

 

[guydewdney]

sounds like as with any fluid system that all you are doing is bleeding it..

much like a radiator....

Glad you have found us - theres another forum as well mbclub UK http://mbclub.co.uk/forums/index.php? which has many of the same members.

lots of tech support availible here!

 

[TimN]

This system is supposed to be self bleading. The only situation that I can think of where air could get into the pump other then allowing the reservoir to run empty is if there is a leak in the flexible hydraulic line from the reservoir to the pump. Normally the oil level does not change ever so it is interesting how it managed to run dry.

I have an interesting weekend ahead of me as I am going to recondition the self levelling valve as I am fed up of the car greeting me in the morning with the backend sagging to the ground. Part the way through refurbishing the steering box to take out the sloppy steering. Just thought I would tell someone about that as I am feeling quite chuffed with the progress.

 

[half_throttle]

Thanks Tim

It seemed strange to me too.

The thing is, I don't know how long the reservoir had been empty, as I didn't notice the lack of rear supspension until the first time it was heavily loaded.

I don't seem to be losing any fluid now, just getting an ingress of air. :?

I'll check the hose more closely.

Paul