SLS sinking when parked + clunking noise
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Joined: May 2010
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'95 E36T AMG
SLS sinking when parked + clunking noise
SLS on a '98 E-class sinks down when parked, like an old Citroen. Will raise back up to normal position within a couple seconds after starting. Plus, clunking noise going over bumps. No play anywhere including the SLS strut lower ball joint, but I seem to remember that the SLS can cause clunking noises when not working correctly.
Spheres bad? They were replaced 10 years/200000 km ago. Struts seem fine.
Should the springs alone carry the car at the correct height, or should the SLS also lift a slight bit for normal driving height unloaded?
Spheres bad? They were replaced 10 years/200000 km ago. Struts seem fine.
Should the springs alone carry the car at the correct height, or should the SLS also lift a slight bit for normal driving height unloaded?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
'95 E36T AMG
Well, it's a few hints on the diagnosis I am asking for, right? The repair manual states a few special tools for height measurement that I don't have. I know how to adjust the suspension and I have worked quite a bit on those before, but never encountered a car that started sagging when parked before. I just need to start out by knowing whether it should be at correct unloaded ride height when SLS is depressurized. If that's the case, I need new spring pads or springs, as it's definitely sagging even unloaded without SLS pressure.
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Joined: Feb 2017
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From: L.A., Moscow, NYC, San Diego, Baja
1998 E320 Wagon, 2003 W211 E500, 2003 W211 E500, 1999 W210 E55 AMG
From all accounts clunking could be anything from bushings to mounts, but also accumulators. I would first be sure there are no leaks and that fluid in the reservoir maintains its level. The system operates the power steering as well so ascertain there's no leak there either.
Is fluid returning to the reservoir after the car is shut down? Could somehow be a faulty valve?
Is fluid returning to the reservoir after the car is shut down? Could somehow be a faulty valve?
