Mike P

Has anyone changed the "MB Lifetime" ADS fluid????

Thanks,
Mike
1993 600SL

MB-Dude

I change mine every 30,000 miles. Fairly straightforward but easier with 2 people.
Cheers,
Jeff

Mike P

Jeff:

Thank you for your reply. Please explain your method.

Thanks,
Mike P
SL65(29miles) 600SL(51) 560SL(262) 560(41K) E300D(42K) 240D(318K!!!!)

SRHsl600

In almost 20 years an accident with a deer carcass ( 10 years ago ) was an event the required new fluid. At that event I disconnected the in line on the hydraulic fluid manifold. The fluid was clear slight amber tint, and looked, smelled and felt like the new Febi Bilistein product.
The manifold is accessed from under the vehicle ( i used a lift so I could inspect all the system, and replace all that had been crushed by the deer. ) The belly shield was taken off first, that exposes the hoses, tubing, oil filter and the leveling hydraulic system. The manifold is on the passenger side wheel well toward the motor from the front wheel. You can also get to the manifold from the wheel well after the front tire is removed. In the "world of MB's you can search for ADS and find great detail about the distrubition block and the leak problems and rebuild procedures.
If I needed to rebuild that manifold I would send it to Klaus at Top Hydraulics, just I have done with the RST cylinders.
Mike, Nice collection listed, Where in the world are you?

MB-Dude

To change the ADS Fluid in an R129, it’s best to have 2 people – one behind the wheel activating the vehicle height switch, and the other under the hood monitoring/replenishing fresh ADS Fluid. You’ll need:
- A couple empty gallon milk jugs
- A long piece of plastic tubing
- Denatured alcohol from the local hardware store
- 4 liters of ADS Fluid
Some folks will say that’s too much fluid. However, I like a very clean hydraulic system and the smallest of particles will cause valve block leakage. The more fluid you purge through, the better the chance of flushing out small particles. That’s just me.

Procedure:

Warm up engine and activate the ADS System a couple of times. Once the engine is warmed up, turn off engine.

Remove the ADS return line at the top of the ADS reservoir tank. Connect a long plastic tube to the end of the line, placing the other end in an empty gallon jug.

Remove the sieve filter and assembly from the ADS reservoir.

Using an old syringe, withdraw as much old fluid as possible.

Fill ADS reservoir with fresh fluid. It’s OK to overfill but don’t take it to the brim.

Have the assistant start the engine and watch the fluid transfer into the milk jug. Always watch the ADS fluid level and add more fluid as needed.

CAUTION: If the ADS Fluid level gets dangerously low, have the assistant immediately turn off the engine until the reservoir can be filed again. Under normal engine speeds, you should have no problem keeping the reservoir filled.

With the engine idling, have the assistant activate the ADS system at least twice. Watch the ADS fluid level carefully as the system is activated. As you get used to the fluid discharge, the engine can be rev’d a bit to speed up the process.

Return the ADS system to its normal position (not elevated). By this time, the fluid should be coming out clear with a greenish tint.

Turn off the engine.

Clean the Sieve Filter with denatured alcohol. Alternatively, you can replace it. Ensure the Sieve Filter is completely dry before reassembly.

Reinstall the ADS Filter Assembly and reconnect the ADS return line.

Start the engine and adjust ADS fluid level as needed.

Done.

Cheers,
Jeff

SRHsl600

Just renewed the accumulators in the front suspension. I had added fluid over the past 6 months and the ride had become harsher. A past repair from a deer strike ( 2003) had replaced the pump, distribution and rear air cells, but not the front spheres.
Using a DIY from a Dannish Benz owner I hung the wheels ( pressure off the system ) and removed the front wheel housing covers. I then loosen the "slip apart" mounting structure and removed the spheres ( no bold/nut removal ). They were completely fill with hydraulic fluid. The ride is back and I have another DIY mission accomplished.
I guess the fluid lasts as long as the spheres 20 years for the front, and so far 10 years + for the back!

MB-Dude

Out of curiosity, how many miles? I replaced all 4 accumulators in my SL600 ~8 years ago, but they need to be replaced again. The ride isn't quite as bad as it was before, but is getting 'harder'; like riding in a tank. And yes, the front accumulators are definitely easier to change than the rears.
Cheers,
Jeff

SRHsl600

600 now has 77K and build date was Sept 1993, Dolly got in Dec 1993.
The deer strike was an 18 wheeler "chew up and spit out" the carcass, at which point the rainy interstate and traffic gave me no choice but "jump" the tumbling mass. the hard parts (antlers? ) became selective in their damage. I bought all the accumulators, just in case the back need renewal.
Maybe the heat of SA make the degeneration faster?? When I was stationed at BAMC the interior of my Jag E and 280SL took a lot of "Hide Food"

MB-Dude

LOL Yup, SA gets hot... and humid. Leather conditioner is a commodity here. Fortunately, my chariots get the (relative) comfort of the garage. Your mileage now makes sense, for I changed my first set of accumulators at ~70K. I'm now at ~120K and the ride is starting to get 'hard' again. So we're probably on par. Looks like they last roughly 70K or so.
Cheers,
Jeff
PS - Thanks for serving. Navy vet here; Vietnam-era.

SRHsl600

Jeff,
I have in inventory the rear spheres, do you have a feel for the shelf life of the nitrogen barrier?
Army 66-83, did not retire. HSC didn't need an Orthodontist one star? ( ego stuff ) You may be the only Navy person in San Antonio!
Thank you for serving.

MB-Dude

Regarding rear sphere shelf life... not a $%&@ clue! LOL That said, the engineering side of my brain thinks they would be probably last a long time on the shelf. Their 'action' doesn't occur until pressure is exerted on them; i.e.: weight of the vehicle through the ADS hydraulic system. Pressure inside the sphere escapes through high hydraulic pressure, not atmospheric pressure.

Regarding SA Navy... Yup! Literally a fish out of water - in more ways than one. LOLx2

Cheers,
Jeff
USN 73-83