Cant Identify My R129 Suspension

[browny10]

Hi All
I need help trying to find information on my suspension system, I know its self leveling and I have info on the rear shocks and setup but I cant find a system like mine. I have searched all the forums and everything I can find on R129 suspension. Can anyone tell me about this it is a shot of the top of the front strut form the engine compartment.
Thanks

 

[Wearsafoxhat]

Don’t know too much but the system is called either “ADS1 or “ADS2” dependant on the year. There are some guru’s around, hopefully one will be along soon..

 

[Blobcat]

Don’t know too much but the system is called either “ADS1 or “ADS2” dependant on the year. There are some guru’s around, hopefully one will be along soon..

@Richard Moakes

 

[DREAMER NO2]

Might be some information in here https://www.automobile-catalog.com/make/mercedes-benz/r-129/sl_r-129/1996.html#gsc.tab=0

 

[Richard Moakes]

Looks like ADS1 to me, what year is the car?

 

[DREAMER NO2]

Yes need the year of the car in question

 

[Wearsafoxhat]

@Richard Moakes

That’s the guy I was thinking of, just couldn’t remember his name…thank you..

 

[browny10]

Don’t know too much but the system is called either “ADS1 or “ADS2” dependant on the year. There are some guru’s around, hopefully one will be along soon..

Thanks for responding its 1990

 

[browny10]

Yes need the year of the car in question

Yes need the year of the car in question

Thanks its 1990

 

[browny10]

Looks like ADS1 to me, what year is the car?

Hi Richard
Thanks for your response it is November 1990

 

[Richard Moakes]

1990 is definitely ADS1

Is the suspension functional? Does it raise and lower with the switch?

 

[browny10]

No its totally crashed and the front is about 2 inches from the ground, and the tires are below the wheel arch rim,there are no oil leaks around the shocks, the shock bump stop rubbers and dust covers are perished too. Should I release the pipe at the top of the shock to see whats happening?

 

[Richard Moakes]

I would not disconnect that pipe, it should only be done when changing the front struts.

How much does the car mean to you? How would you rate your spannering ability? I ask this, as sorting it out is likely to be expensive if you need a mechanic to do it, or will take time and methodical process if you intend to sort it yourself.

Have a read at https://r129ads.freevar.com/general.html and see what you think, the first thing is to check fluid level in the reservoir and verify that fluid is being returned to the reservoir by the pump.

I will help as much as I can, I have diagnostic manuals and plenty of info, but would need your email address to send them to.

 

[browny10]

Hi Richard
First some background about me.
I am capable in my spannering ability as my Dad was a mechanic and I grew up around cars and serviced them myself until I was able to afford to send them to a garage. That said I am by trade an electronics engineer but now retired, although I still design and make the odd bit of electronics, also I understand hydraulics.
I have had the car for over 20 years so I would dearly like to keep it on the road.
I have already purchased the strut bumpers and dust shields (boots) as they are perished so I will Have to remove the strut in any event. I have read the info on the link you sent and it covers all I have read so far on the links I have found, although better and clearer, thanks for that.

https://www.benzworld.org/threads/ads1-ride-height-issue-non-us-version.2939297/?nested_view=1&sortby=oldest

I have raised the car moved the wheels lock to lock and the dash light goes out, at your suggestion I have checked the fluid level and return line the fluid is at the correct level (max) but and nothing is coming out of the return line even a 2KRPM.
I appreciate your help and support as I am not one to re-invent the wheel so advice on a methodical approach would be appreciated.

My Email is grahambrown@orcon.net.nz

Richard thank you for your time and patience I note how much you have helped other members with their issues.
Regards
Graham

 

[Richard Moakes]

Hi Graham,

You sound like a man with the talent and determination to sort this, that’s the most important thing before we even turn a spanner.

Lack of return fluid is an issue, the tandem power steering and suspension pump has no electronic control in ADS1, so there is a continuous flow of fluid to the main valve and any excess is returned back to the reservoir. The pump can be tricky to bleed if it runs dry, but the first thing to do is to trace the high pressure line from the pump to the ADS main valve (it crosses under the engine if memory serves) which is on the right hand side of the engine bay, and can be seen from the wheel arch with the liner removed. Undo that line at the valve and place the end in a bucket or container of your choice whilst ensuring you have a willing assistant ready to top up the reservoir if the level starts to fall. If you get fluid flow, then we can declare the pump working and move on to bleeding the valve and height adjusters, but not much point until the pump is working correctly. You may have to rev the engine a bit, 2K RPM is optimal, but hopefully you can observe fluid flow and then reconnect the line to the valve. It may even rise the next time you start the engine, but I don’t want to assume as there can be a number of issues why it will not raise. The system is high pressure, low flow, so there is no danger, the fluid is ZH-M, you can get it from MB dealers, but Febi 02615 is the same fluid at a much cheaper price.

Do you have a blink code reader to plug into your 16 pin diagnostic port? It would help when we get to electrical diagnosis.

Will send some additional info to your email.

Regards,

Richard

 

[browny10]

Hi Richard
I have cracked off the line shown in the picture attached I got from another video and got a trickle of fluid but nothing significant, maybe it was the wrong one so I will trace the line as you describe and try again to be certain. I have a blink code reader I made for diagnosing soft top problems. I will get back to you when I have got the oil and completed the tests.
Cheers
Graham