Remove ADS shocks and replace with standard shocks

Jul 12, 2004 | 03:19 PM

Helga

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Newbie

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 9

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From: Greenville, SC

93 600SEL

Remove ADS shocks and replace with standard shocks

Just wondering.

Is it possible to remove ADS shocks, and related hydraulics, ADS module and replace with standard shocks on a 1993 600SEL?

We never use ADS and prefer a softer ride.

Thanks!

Jul 13, 2004 | 04:50 PM

Peter Guenther

Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 455

Likes: 1

From: Fl

92 500sel/01 320e wag

Replace shocks

It will probably cost you more to replace than to repair, If the shocks dont leak the rougher ride could be from the "hydraulic accumulators" being defective. The suspension system consists of a strut that is bufferd by an accumulator (a sphere filled with nitrogen/and a diaphram that is pressurized by oil from a dual power steering pump) the valve is controlled by a valve attached to the rear axle. The fluid flow on a 600 is futher controlled by solenoids attched to each rear axle a nd eaxh front shock

Jul 13, 2004 | 11:22 PM

Helga

Thread Starter

Newbie

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 9

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From: Greenville, SC

93 600SEL

Peter,

Thanks for the input.

I plan on removing the shocks and replacing with Sachs on front and Bilstein on rear.

How do I disable the hydraulic pump on the rear self leveling?

I have already removed the ADS computer and ride on front is much better.

Thanks,

Helga

Jul 14, 2004 | 11:53 AM

Peter Guenther

Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 455

Likes: 1

From: Fl

92 500sel/01 320e wag

Pump

I would think removing the line from the control unit that goes to the rear shocks and plugging output of the valve. I dont think it is a good idea to let the system go dry since it could ruin the the pump which is tandem with the power steering pump. The plug would keep any oil circulating in the system but not going to the accumulators/shocks. This could be reversed if ever needed.
I have been told that removing the self leveling components will result in the vehicle sitting lower since there is no residual pressure. The front probably makes no difference since the shocks only contained valves that changed the dampening.
As to the ADS computer if it failed, the default is the firmest position for the daper valve units.

Jul 15, 2004 | 10:08 AM

Helga

Thread Starter

Newbie

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 9

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From: Greenville, SC

93 600SEL

Peter,

Thank you so much for your help.

Would 320SEL springs or 400SEL springs help increase height?

Thanks,

Helga

Jul 15, 2004 | 04:08 PM

Peter Guenther

Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 455

Likes: 1

From: Fl

92 500sel/01 320e wag

Springs

The 320 and 400 models did not have ADS or self leveling suspension as standard equipment, it was available as an option. The springs would be stiffer, but since those were short body cars the cars were lighter. I would check with the parts counter to see what the combinations were, I think there were shim options but not shure.

Jul 15, 2004 | 04:42 PM

Helga

Thread Starter

Newbie

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 9

Likes: 0

From: Greenville, SC

93 600SEL

Peter,

Thanks again. I will check and see spring part #.

What shocks would give the best ride. Sachs or Bilstein?

Thanks,

Helga

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Nov 8, 2006 | 03:57 PM

jrbenz

Newbie

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 2

Likes: 0

C-Class

300TE 24v

I have a w124 estate with self-leveling suspension. The car used to rise slightly when you start the car, but now it now longer does that. My mechanic informs me that he is going to replace it with standard springs and shocks at the rear.

Any ideas if this is good idea or not?

JRBenz

Nov 9, 2006 | 06:40 AM

#10

syljua

Member

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 76

Likes: 7

From: Oslo, Norway

1998 C140 CL500

Quote:

Originally Posted by Helga

Peter,

Thanks again. I will check and see spring part #.

Helga,

Getting the right spring and pad partnr. involves gathering "points" for every
optional equipment you have, and select blue or red versions (I think
red and blue versions are the tolerances on stiffness-factor from production?)

Have a look at the footnotes in these part drawings (from EPC, which is the
same used by the part persons at Mercedes);

Front;
http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.asp...SGR=052&SGN=01
Back;
http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.asp...SGR=052&SGN=01

Now, these are for the ADS S600. I guess that at least for the rear, you can
look at the calculations for a S500 without ADS at the rear since it's most difference
are the weight of the motor;
http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.asp...SGR=120&SGN=03

Good Luck,
syljua

Nov 9, 2006 | 04:05 PM

#11

Peter Guenther

Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 455

Likes: 1

From: Fl

92 500sel/01 320e wag

removing self leveling

Some more independent info, did you just pull the computer module, since the default for ADS is firm?
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w140...-help-how.html

Jun 4, 2008 | 01:19 PM

#12

ekogutpl

Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 86

Likes: 0

i have a 97 s500 with hydraulic shocks and the back is really stiff, im figuring the accumulators are bad. anyone know where i can get them for fairly cheap or is the stealership the only way?