6.9

It is some months since perhaps I posted on this site, but I can't quite recall. I certainly have posted on my own site, namely topklasse.net.au, to talk about levelling valves, and other hydraulic components that feature on our 6.9s. In that time, I have supplied nine rebuilt and tested valves to various customers at a cost for each ranging from $AUS450.00 to $AUS550.00. There has not been a single failure up to this point of time, and I provide a twelve months warranty. Postage costs are extra.

All valves are bench tested for proper operation, checking the static as well as high level, and I also test for filling as well as return functions. These valves are NOT easy to rebuild SUCCESSFULLY - that is the crucial terminology. It is just absolutely essential that tests are carried out before valves are fitted. The Workshop Manual is not an easy publication to be digested and understood, and one drawing is in fact incorrect. That's from the original Mercedes publication ! Yes, it is incorrect. The further difficulty is that no specifications are supplied by MB in relation to the various sealing components. It can sometimes mean that one has to experiment and/or modify components to achieve proper operation of the valve units.

I can also test the efficiency of all five pressure cells without resorting to the incorrect and old fashioned method of poking a screwdriver to test resistance. That's just bollocks unless the cell is totally devoid of proper function. I know bottom of the seats will tell you that the cells are not doing their job, but that only applies to four of the units. The fifth, which supplies hydraulic oil cannot be measured in that manner. One needs to have gauges for that.

If anyone is interested in purchasing replacement valves, please feel free to contact me by way of PM. Everything is guaranteed and reasonably priced. Regards Styria

"My Gleaming Beauty"
topklasse.net.au

Referring to active suspension systems. I am the one that tracked down Keith, sent him cores and factory manuals from which to learn. I have refrained from any public criticism but anyone that put silicone in a Mercedes leveling valve is an idiot and not someone trustworthy to work on these intricate parts.

We put two of his rebuilt leveling valves on my car. I was in the back of the shop so this is not second hand info. They would not lift the car one mm and the bodies got extremely hot to the touch. When I sent them back he said he had no idea what was wrong with them. It took me quite a while to get my cores back. They became trash due to the silicone.

You might get a good result but that is going to be dependent on the condition of the core component. You might have an experience like I did.

One thing all 6.9 owners need to realize is that rebuildable suspension components are becoming more difficult to find. Normal wear and tear compounded by damage from mechanics not qualified to disassemble and reassemble them successfully and damaging these precision parts is reducing our supply. Pumps and main pressure regulators are NLA now. Leveling valves are still available new from MBCC but who knows how long they will be available.

When you buy used hydraulic components off eBay hoping to use them as cores you have no clue as to their internal condition until they can be disassembled and inspected.

The 6.9 hydro-pneumatic suspension is wonderful to experience when every component is 100% perfect functionally. I believe strongly that very few 6.9 owners ever experience the synergy of all those components being 100% at the same time. There is a world of difference between what I am describing and a car that will just maintain normal height to drive down the road and stay up reasonably well while parked.

Thanks so much Daniel,
during renovation I replace the original (and worn)Teflon seals with new Teflon seals, I perform correction or new machining of worn interiors (or over-torqued outer threads) plus sophisticated pressure testing on these axle valves in order to guarantee long term functionality to achieve original quality of the axle valve.

Best, Martin

Hope it's not referring to my rebuilds[?]
I have done a few with no comebacks and I do not put any sealant in my process save for a light dab of Loctite to seal the big plug on the back. I know Martin Werminghausen is the authority on the HPF rebuilds and by no means am I in competition with him. I offer a cheaper alternative albeit without the test bench and machining experience he has. If that is of value to you then by all means use his services as his work is top notch.

Daniel
1977 450 SEL 6.9
Vancouver, BC

Which Company is it? The one I had rebuilt from Active Suspension Systems worked perfectly and AFAIK still does.

Hanno
6.9 #7184 (sold after 27 years of ownership).
83 280SL 5 spd.
87 300E (5spd conversion, sold)
95 E320 Wagon
95 E320 Sedan (on loan to mom)
95 E320 Sedan
94 E320 sedan (5 spd conversion.)

Please PM me before you consider dealing with this company. He is clueless. He put silicone in my leveling valves and could not figure out what was wrong. They would not raise the car one mm from dead bottom. I have pics to prove it.

BTW I also do refurb of the leveling valves on the side.
PM me for details.

Daniel
1977 450 SEL 6.9
Vancouver, BC

Regular fluid changes is key. Most systems are neglected and then the fix becomes painful on the wallet and nerves[xx(]


Daniel
1977 450 SEL 6.9
Vancouver, BC

I used the below firm to rebuild the front leveling valve of my now sold 6.9 a few months ago. Of course, it failed on the way to a PPI. Cost was about a third of other known service sources (not even going to compare with the cost of a new one). Keith was very knowledgeable about 6.9 hydraulic systems, offering insights regarding filtering (at the micron level, factory unit is a strainer not a filter) and factory hose material issues (suggested replacing hoses with alternate materials of construction so as not to shed inner lining particles into the system). He has some negative reviews regarding his main business (Lexus/Infiniti active suspensions) but my experience was uneventful. I’d do business with him again.

kebowers47@gmail.com

activesuspensionsystems.com (also known as B and B Suspensions)


Hanno
6.9 #7184
83 280SL 5 spd.
87 300E(5spd, sold)
95 E320 Wagon
95 E320 Sedan (on loan to mom)
95 E320 Sedan
94 E320 (future 5 spd)