Hydraulic lines shot! I need some advice.

[AllanEggleston]

Dear Listers,

The hydrolic lines for my wagon's auto-level system are totally shot and need to be replaced. They are so bad that the system won't hold any oil at all!

My service rep had the reservoir filled prior to my coming to pick the car up and there was nothing left in it! But there was a large puddle under the car.

So now I have two questions:

Can the car be driven, with no load in the back, to be repaired?

Can anyone suggest a reputable, honest mechanic somewhere near northwest CT that will repair this correctly?

Any and all advise will be very much appreciated.

Thanks.

[Grey Ghost]

yes, you can drive the car with the system non-functional...I see cars all the time like that...it's a sad sight, a proud wagon with a saggy rear end

this is a lesson in the importance of proper maintenance. The maintenance schedule calls for periodic flushing/changing of the hydraulic fluid for this system. If this isn't done, the fluid builds up particulates that harm the seals. Servicing the system is cheap compared to re-building it.

[AllanEggleston]

"Servicing the system is cheap compared to re-building it."

Skip, you've got that right!

Do you have a menchanic down Greenwich way you can suggest?

Thanks.

[Grey Ghost]

see my post in the new "Recommended Repair Shops" forum...I use a guy in Mamaroneck

[mtupower]

Replacing stock hydraulic lines with OEM lines is gonna cost a mint. Try your local hydraulic supply store or look online and you may find suitable lines and connectors that'll cost order of magnatude less, and will do the job for years to come. A line is a line.

[D.L. SWINFORD]

mtupower;
Don't throw away that which is OK.i.e. the steel lines.
Remove the lines and go to a specialty shop and have the rubber parts replaced.
Not an original idea for that is what these shops are in business for.
Don't be frightened in believing if it aint OEM it won't work, hogwash.
Save buncha bucks and do it.
Until Then JOY
Happy Trails Beep Beep from the Spiderman on the Gulf Coast, Your Moderator, Chairman of the Board, Don :p :p :p

'85 300DT 284kmiles Donka II

[mtupower]

The guy said his lines were shot.... leaking so bad they could not hold fluid; good indication to me the lines need a R&R (remove and replace). I think it's a great idea to change to what works properly, will last, and is cheaper. If it's a visible item it ought to look like it's suposed to be there also. ;)

[Grey Ghost]

welcome aboard...it's about time we had another expert around these parts...I enjoy your perspective and experience...thanks for joining our humble forum