My 1998 E-320 wagon has 120,000 miles. This car has a hydrolic leveling device. Over the last 6 months or so, my wife and I have noticed a much stiffer and more bouncy ride; especially around the neighborhood. What's going on, any ideas?

 

does the rear also seem to ride higher? might be a bad load/level switch on the rear axle. in this case, the car thinks that it is fully loaded all the time, and will pump up the rear suspension to compensate for the extra weight.

 

I haven't noticed a higher ride in the back. I'll check. Maybe I can put a load (the neighborhood kids or something) in the back and then start the car and see if it levels out. I know about a year ago, I put a very heavy load of bricks in the back and I heard a squeeling noise when I started the engine. I know the car was trying to level itself and the weight was too much. I unloaded some weight and the car leveled fine, without squeeling. I keep thinking that maybe that damaged or some how got hydrolic fluid on the wrong side of the struts. Could this be?

 

The Rear Pods aka Accumulators are defective...seen several do this...
They are located Next to the rear self level shock

 

Is this a pretty straight replacement? I'm guessing that these are hydrolick accumulators. Are there special procedures for bleeding the system before and after replacement?

 

Its a Simple replacement ...Just Unbolt and replace...They do Not require any bleeding...Just top off the P/S tank

 

Question: is there a way to isolate the problem. Is this both accumulators (both going out at the same time sounds odd)., or the load leveling switch? Couldn'ta faultyload leveling switch cause the rear suspension to be extra stiff? If I were to remove the lines to both accumulators, shouldn't I have normal suspension, without leveling, on the rear? I'm not really sure how the suspension works on this car, with hydrolics, and air accumulators. You mentioned the P/S tank. This isn't the power steering tank is it? I know where the hydrolic reservoir is. Is that what you mean, and if so, does that mean I will have hydrolic fluid leaking if I remove the lines from the accumulators?

 

Its Best to do BOTH sides when doing the repairs...

As for the self level switch...it will adjust Ride HEIGHT only...

Do NOT remove the lines and start the car...otherwise you WILL Have a HUGE MESS!!!!!!!!!

There is One tank for the P/S and Rear self level fluid