Basically it boils down to this: Benzy is real bouncy.

I have a 1981 300TD wagon. I would like to replace the shocks in back, but I don't know how difficult it is or really how to do it at all. I have never replaced shocks in any car before. However, I did work with my dad to replace the noisy clickety-clunking rear driverside half shaft (and the other one while we were at it), so I am familiar with what is "back there," how to get at the top of the shocks, etc.

I have heard of difficulties with hydrolic "self leveling" rear suspensions on some model, but I don't know if my car has that type of suspension.

Any tips or suggestions would be helpful.

I appologize in advance if this has been covered somewhere. I have searched through the forums and diy articles to find the specific answer to my question, but I don't know enough about the different models of MBs to know for sure if the repairs on other models/years apply to mine, and I couldn't find one that covered this exactly. I am sorry if I have overlooked something, and I would be glad to be directed to where this has been explained already.

By the way, hi. I am new to this forum, and relatively new to car repair and mercedes diesels as well... however, as with everything, I prefer to do it myself if possible, as I am always up for new things and don't have the cash to throw around to have someone else do it for me. Also, I have a dad who seems to be up for most car repairs as long as it doesn't require a lift.

Thanks,
Chet Wesley

All the wagons have SLS. (Self-leveling suspension). Problems usually are found in the accumulators which can be replaced, but you will need to troubleshoot the system. Have you checked the fluid for the system under the hood. The struts (which look like shocks) sometimes fail by leaking fluid. If they're not leaking fluid they're probably ok.
Do a search on SLS or Self-Leveling Suspension or hydropneumatic suspension on this board for more info.

__________________
1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

Do your searches as Kerry advised, then come back with your specific questions. If you have fluid, and it doesn't leak out and appears to pump, suspect your accumulators. "It always the accumulators". [also often called spheres or air cells even though they're nitrogen]

**edit**
If you look at top of page, you see a "Buy Parts" icon. That is Fastlane, our fine forum sponsor. Whenever possible we try to utilize them, as they provide this excellent forum space. If you need accumulators, call Phil the parts guy, and see if he can do better on the price. Most other places are below a hunnert bucks apiece for accumulators......


http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/sophio/wizard.jsp?partner=mercedesshop&clientid=catalog.mercedesshop&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&cookieid=1VK01GHCF208027Y3F&year=1981&make=MB&model=300-TDT-001&category=L&part=Accumulator

__________________
Jimmy L.
'05 Acura TL 6MT
2001 ML430 My Spare

Gone:
'95 E300 188K "Batmobile" Texas Unfriendly Black
'85 300TD 235K "The Wagon" Texas Friendly White
'80 240D 154K "China" Scar engine installed
'81 300TD 240K "Smash"
'80 240D 230K "The Squash"
'81 240D 293K"Scar" Rear ended harder than Elton John