Suspension spheres

[E320Trip]

Well I am pleased to report that the sphere appears to be relatively easy to remove. I didn't notice that there was a sizeable space at the bottom of the bracket for this purpose.
I have loosened the two hydraulic lines successfully and loosened the sphere from the bracket. I have stopped there. I hope that I have sufficient clearance to remove the sphere without damaging any pipes.
The fluid that came out after loosening the pipes did look like a guinness foam (bottled Guinness I would say!) but settled to a clear if cloudy dark mild ale. Is the foam a conclusive indication of ruptured sphere membranes. I don't know if the sphere is actually gone but am willing to change it to see if there's an improvement in the odd lumpy ride at low speeds.
With regard to changing the fluid, I suppose it would be for the best, but I'm tempted to leave it in. If I was to drain it I'm concerned that fluid would remain in the pump and lines up to the ride height control. Can I turn on the engine and let the pump pump it out???? any tips would be appreciated.

 

[goldestate]

An assistant would be handy, with the reservoir just emptying and engine running, bleed open, pour in fluid till it comes out clean at bleed pipe then close, system is self bleeding a new filter on return pipe is a good idea.

 

[E320Trip]

Hello Franey.
I am keen on doing these asap...no patience; however how long would it take for you to get 2 litres of fluid 2 pipes and 2 spheres to West London?

 

[E320Trip]

Hello goldestate, would that be the bleed valve on the ride height control? .. Oh and where is the return filter?

 

[franey]

Two spheres and fluid delivered Tuesday to you by UPS but the pipes you can only get from Mercedes.
Give me a buzz if you want them, 07834 270 840

 

[andy_k]

I find it easier to scrap the pipes feeding the cylinders - they only cost about £10 to replace and will save you a lot of fiddling around unless you have the correct tool to remove the pipes easily. If you don't snip them off you'll be trying to undo them with an open ended spanner held at an angle getting about a 1/4 turn before the spanner slips off or fouls against something and you stand a good chance of rounding the nut off.

cut them off and you don't even need to bother undoing them

 

[goldestate]

Filter in reservoir on end of cap, drain plug similar to brake type near the height control lever.

 

[stuboy]

Hey E320 Trip

If your in West London, how about we do a compare and contrast with my E320 perhaps do the job together
Cheers
Stuart

 

[goldestate]

Well have finally changed spheres, charitably all unions responded to previous penetrating oil applications well and fitting was easy (on a ramp)
and considering my circumstances easy means easy, I have clearly got some air to work out of the system still but no great collapses or drama's much easier than citroen's of old.
Not a job to be feared IF it goes well.

 

[C240Sport97]

how much did the spheres cost to buy? were they new or used?

 

[goldestate]

New Mercedes just under a £100 each febi-bilstein pair £110

 

[stuboy]

Now What?

Ok Chaps got my Spheres installed today, however:-

1) When i had the bleed valve open on the actuator initally i got about 1/2 a litre out then it stopped. I then ran the engine expecting it to pump the rest out of the resevoir, however nothing happened!

2) Do I need to bleed the system now I have installed new spheres, if so how?

3) Could I have a blocked pipe and where do they run? Anyone got any pictures?

4) Where does my PAS pump live? I assume the fat pipe from the rersevoir connects to it then the pump feeds the power steering and a feed then goes to the back of the car?

Any help gratefully recieved
Stu

 

[stuboy]

SLS W210 rear suspension Adjustment

I moved the adjuster (its above the right hand half shaft) after taking one of the nuts off and pushed it up ( towards the underside of the car) and hey presto up she went and pretty fast too, around 10 seconds for 20mm. I have left the adjuster in the maximum position and it is higher than it used to be but I think its not quite high enough, could I still have a problem?
Regards
Stuart

 

[BlackC55]

What happens when you put weight in the boot (two or three people) does it move up ok?

 

[E320Trip]

I moved the adjuster (its above the right hand half shaft) after taking one of the nuts off and pushed it up ( towards the underside of the car) and hey presto up she went and pretty fast too, around 10 seconds for 20mm. I have left the adjuster in the maximum position and it is higher than it used to be but I think its not quite high enough, could I still have a problem?
Regards
Stuart

Hello Stuboy. I got unexpectedly called away to do my real job just recently, and didn't get a chance to look up the forums. I see that you managed to change the spheres. So did I. In terms of what I physically did it, was pretty simply. The thought of messing up the suspension further if I did something wrong however added some stress to the job.

I'd be happy to meet up and compare notes/cars. I also have ride height control linkage questions I would like answering and I would expect that to compare 2 cars that are "the same" would be v useful.
please give me a call on 07956-381051.

 

[E320Trip]

Don't know if you've seen this quote: Its apears comprehensive!

 

[E320Trip]

Hello Goldestate. Has your ride improved since fitting your new spheres?

 

[Creamy]

Hi Franey, I know this is an old thread, but what would you charge for 2 spheres plus 2 litres now?
Thanks,
Creamy

 

[E320Trip]

If Franey doesn't get back to you I may be able to help with the spheres.

 

[E320Trip]

I just noticed a post of his. It includes the following.


Hi all, yes still here working hard, nice to hear the comments, thank you.

Yes the website is 'down' but you can still reach us on info@wunderpartz.co.uk

01302 623 292

01302 623 293