Hello all I am new to the forum.

I recently purchased a one owner 1994 s500 with 90,000 miles and all maintenace paperwork in mintcondition there is only one problem.When i hit a bump the left rear makes a bumping noise as if the air shock is blowed.Does anyone have any suggestions as where to start before i crawl under this girl.I am a auto technician that changed occupations and do all my own work i am very mechanically inclined so that definitley helps.I just wondered if anyone can give me a idea of what i should expect$............I have access to wholesale parts as well.

Thanks for your input.and i look forward to corresponding with you all.


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Thanks for all the responses !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

First of all the car does not have "air" shocks, it has hydraulic struts and accumulators which are nitrgen filled spheres which have a diaphram and pressurized oil from a tandem mounted pump with your power steering.When the sphres rupture they fill with oil which does not compress. This does not alleviate any issues with strut bushings, is the oil (hydraulic fluid) resevoir full or low? As a ex automotive technician have you checked on anything?
BTW the struts are $4-5 hundred each, the accumulators are $200 each and best gotten to by dropping the exhaust slightly, and hoping the "flare" nuts are not rusted. MB sells a DVD that includes service info
http://www.startekinfo.com/StarTek/o...stedDocId=8002

 

Yes the fluid level is full and the ride is very smooth on all three other sides but to be hohnest i havent pulled the wheel and got under the car I just purchased it.I do know from overhauling the system on my 735 that when the accumulator is bad and the hydraulic shock is good it just gives you a firm bouncy ride.The left rear area on the benz seems as if the is a lot of slack there and a thud sound when you hit a bump.There are no signs of leakage and the overall ride height of the car seems fine.Could it be a bad Strut bushing?I have found the accumulators for $112.00.If needed where can i find the strut for 400.00
I already know how to bleed the hydraulic system down and remove the assembly.I am just curious from my description what you think is wrong.
Your information is appreciated
Thanks

Thanks for the reply.

 

If it's not the strut, it could be the wheel-bearing, just may want to check. I've had this experience, but I don't have hydraulic struts.