2002 CL500 - Lean on right side
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
2002 CL500
2002 CL500 - Lean on right side
Hi,
Looking for feedback. Vehicle been to dealer severals times. Right front lower along with right rear when vehicle measured. Cause? Dealer replaced accumulator in rear not ABC pump. Had new pump on but removed when didnt fix problem.
Vehicle has problem with fishtailing. Dealer rodeoed and said nothing wrong with abc or suspension. Any feedback on what would cause lean or lower on right side? Thanks
Looking for feedback. Vehicle been to dealer severals times. Right front lower along with right rear when vehicle measured. Cause? Dealer replaced accumulator in rear not ABC pump. Had new pump on but removed when didnt fix problem.
Vehicle has problem with fishtailing. Dealer rodeoed and said nothing wrong with abc or suspension. Any feedback on what would cause lean or lower on right side? Thanks
Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 212
Likes: 2
2000 CL500 1992 300SE
The dealer is messing with you. Get them to recalibrate the ride height and top up the ABC fluid to get rid of the fishtailing. If that does not work, then you probably need a ride height sensor.
Is the lean when parked or when driving?
Is the lean when parked or when driving?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
2002 CL500
It leans running or when shut off. Not sure if when driving. Fishtailing on small bumps and manhole covers. Dealer put new tires on but hasnt fixed fishtail. Will check abc level. Thanks Ifari.
Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 212
Likes: 2
2000 CL500 1992 300SE
Did they flush the system and then RODEO?
The flush and Rodeo should have corrected the problem.
If not, then you may need a Valve Block replacement.....BUT.....try the ride height calibration first...BECAUSE...it is the LESS expensive option.
On second thought, since the dealer said there is no problem with the suspension......the ride height calbration alone should do the trick.
Best.....
The flush and Rodeo should have corrected the problem.
If not, then you may need a Valve Block replacement.....BUT.....try the ride height calibration first...BECAUSE...it is the LESS expensive option.
On second thought, since the dealer said there is no problem with the suspension......the ride height calbration alone should do the trick.
Best.....
Last edited by Ifari; Aug 18, 2010 at 04:06 PM.
Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 132
Likes: 2
From: Dallas, TX
2007 Mercedes SL550 Sport
ok, almost same issue here. after sitting for a day right front lowers. when the car is started the warning says ABC, car too low, stop. I press the hight adjustment and the car instantly rises up and stays up once the the raise light is turned off. no oil leak or the suspension.
I had to replace a air shock on my 02 S500 but these cars have ABC. so is it still air shock or it's fluid in the there? any assistance on the overnight drop would be appreciated.
02 CL500
I had to replace a air shock on my 02 S500 but these cars have ABC. so is it still air shock or it's fluid in the there? any assistance on the overnight drop would be appreciated.
02 CL500
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,803
Likes: 12
From: Charleston, SC
GL450
CL will have ABC, not airmatic. If a corner drops overnight, it can be either a leaking strut or leaking valve block.
If there are no leaks and the reservoir level doesn't drop, you're probably looking at a valve block leak. You can choose to fix or live with it sagging overnight. Even Mercedes says that if it sags after a week, this is normal, so it's really just about how quickly it sags.
If the fluid level is dropping in the reservoir, you have a strut leak. This is more serious because if all the fluid leaks out, you'll run the pump dry and burn it out.
If there are no leaks and the reservoir level doesn't drop, you're probably looking at a valve block leak. You can choose to fix or live with it sagging overnight. Even Mercedes says that if it sags after a week, this is normal, so it's really just about how quickly it sags.
If the fluid level is dropping in the reservoir, you have a strut leak. This is more serious because if all the fluid leaks out, you'll run the pump dry and burn it out.
Trending Topics
Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 132
Likes: 2
From: Dallas, TX
2007 Mercedes SL550 Sport
no leak from the strut - so mine has to be valve block. prices are a little rediculous, so I'm just going to live with it. it's ok if driven every day, but you can see the right front lowered if sits more than ONE freakin day. Love the car, but not sure why mercedes has to do these crap. we also have a 05 BMW 745Li no air shocks, and the car handles and drives excellent. stupid airmatic on S-class and these ABC on CLs & SLs
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 192
Likes: 4
From: Western New York, USA
2004 CL500
Mine also fishtails- surprising for a car that's supposed to handle as well as these. I also tried getting new tires and it didn't seem to help. I did top off my ABC fluid recently, it was nearly a liter low. We'll see if that solves the problem, not sure why it would?
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, Ga
2003 CL500
My 2003 Cl500 seems to fishtail slightly. Feels like loose rear end when hitting small bumps or manhole covers. curious to find out what happens.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,803
Likes: 12
From: Charleston, SC
GL450
First, do you have proper width tires on the rear? When I had too wide tires on the rear, it would squirm.
The hydraulic suspension on the CL seems to react differently than conventional coil springs. It doesn't give in the same way, and I believe that causes more squirm. If it bounces side to side and returns back to the center, I would consider that squirm. If it pulls drastically to one side or the other, that's more fishtailing.
What are people seeing more of?
The hydraulic suspension on the CL seems to react differently than conventional coil springs. It doesn't give in the same way, and I believe that causes more squirm. If it bounces side to side and returns back to the center, I would consider that squirm. If it pulls drastically to one side or the other, that's more fishtailing.
What are people seeing more of?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,681
Likes: 2
From: SF
07 E63 06 CLK55 Cab 03 P-car C4S
ok, almost same issue here. after sitting for a day right front lowers. when the car is started the warning says ABC, car too low, stop. I press the hight adjustment and the car instantly rises up and stays up once the the raise light is turned off. no oil leak or the suspension.
I had to replace a air shock on my 02 S500 but these cars have ABC. so is it still air shock or it's fluid in the there? any assistance on the overnight drop would be appreciated.
02 CL500
I had to replace a air shock on my 02 S500 but these cars have ABC. so is it still air shock or it's fluid in the there? any assistance on the overnight drop would be appreciated.
02 CL500
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 310
Likes: 0
CL500
I get a warning that says "ABC Visit Shop" it's not in red letters and I it goes away when I turn the car off and back on and adjust the level. My mechanic told me not to worry about it unless it happens all the time because it's not in red letters the warning sign. is this true?
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 310
Likes: 0
CL500
yes it does when i start the car, it use to take several days before the car starts to sink, but not it's only a few hours and sometimes it sinks when im driving it.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,803
Likes: 12
From: Charleston, SC
GL450
Ok, that's a problem then. Check the reservoir (drivers side, near the head light). If it's low, your strut has a very bad leak. If it's full, your valve block has a very bad leak. I would suggest getting that fixed, because if the suspension drops while driving, you could have safety issues, or at the least, might damage some other part of the car.
Skip the dealer and try to find a very competent Mercedes repair shop near you. Call them and ask if they can repair and rodeo an ABC suspension. If they say "no" (or "huh?") then ask if they know anyone that can.
Skip the dealer and try to find a very competent Mercedes repair shop near you. Call them and ask if they can repair and rodeo an ABC suspension. If they say "no" (or "huh?") then ask if they know anyone that can.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 310
Likes: 0
CL500
Ok, that's a problem then. Check the reservoir (drivers side, near the head light). If it's low, your strut has a very bad leak. If it's full, your valve block has a very bad leak. I would suggest getting that fixed, because if the suspension drops while driving, you could have safety issues, or at the least, might damage some other part of the car.
Skip the dealer and try to find a very competent Mercedes repair shop near you. Call them and ask if they can repair and rodeo an ABC suspension. If they say "no" (or "huh?") then ask if they know anyone that can.
Skip the dealer and try to find a very competent Mercedes repair shop near you. Call them and ask if they can repair and rodeo an ABC suspension. If they say "no" (or "huh?") then ask if they know anyone that can.
Thanks, but will the warning sign ever turn RED? or will it always stay white? they did the flush and rodeo and said that if its just a valve it cannot get any worse if dont dont want to repair it now. We know its the ABC because there are no leaks and reservoir was fool.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, Ga
2003 CL500
First, do you have proper width tires on the rear? When I had too wide tires on the rear, it would squirm.
The hydraulic suspension on the CL seems to react differently than conventional coil springs. It doesn't give in the same way, and I believe that causes more squirm. If it bounces side to side and returns back to the center, I would consider that squirm. If it pulls drastically to one side or the other, that's more fishtailing.
What are people seeing more of?
The hydraulic suspension on the CL seems to react differently than conventional coil springs. It doesn't give in the same way, and I believe that causes more squirm. If it bounces side to side and returns back to the center, I would consider that squirm. If it pulls drastically to one side or the other, that's more fishtailing.
What are people seeing more of?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,803
Likes: 12
From: Charleston, SC
GL450
10 mm difference shouldn't cause much squirm. If you had 285 or 295, I would say that could do it. Never know, though. What brand tires and inflation?
Do you notice it on concrete freeway joints?
Do you notice it on concrete freeway joints?
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, Ga
2003 CL500
I'm using Bridgestone Potenza and inflation is about perfect. I understand where you are going with the highway dividers but I don't remember noticing a difference. The shimmy effect I get is slight and I never gave it a second thought until reading some of the posts that mentioned it. I know this is a different suspension but I used to have a Chevy Lumina that had a broken control arm and it did the same thing. Just a thought. Let me know if you have any other ideas. I'm about to get all new tires. I was thinking about the Michelin Pilot Sports. Ideas on tires?
Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 192
Likes: 4
From: Western New York, USA
2004 CL500
My 2004 CL500 has Continental tires: 225/55/17 front and rear.
The fishtail effect is more noticeable when I hit a bump in the road or manhole while turning, but my rear end slides out sometimes when I accelerate while turning. It even happened once when I went into an offramp too hot
--> scary stuff.
Inflation is 29/32 as per manufacturers recommendation. I'm at 34/34 now as the dealer told me to use higher pressure in winter.
The fishtail effect is more noticeable when I hit a bump in the road or manhole while turning, but my rear end slides out sometimes when I accelerate while turning. It even happened once when I went into an offramp too hot
--> scary stuff.Inflation is 29/32 as per manufacturers recommendation. I'm at 34/34 now as the dealer told me to use higher pressure in winter.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, Ga
2003 CL500
My 2004 CL500 has Continental tires: 225/55/17 front and rear.
The fishtail effect is more noticeable when I hit a bump in the road or manhole while turning, but my rear end slides out sometimes when I accelerate while turning. It even happened once when I went into an offramp too hot --> scary stuff.
Inflation is 29/32 as per manufacturers recommendation. I'm at 34/34 now as the dealer told me to use higher pressure in winter.
The fishtail effect is more noticeable when I hit a bump in the road or manhole while turning, but my rear end slides out sometimes when I accelerate while turning. It even happened once when I went into an offramp too hot
--> scary stuff.Inflation is 29/32 as per manufacturers recommendation. I'm at 34/34 now as the dealer told me to use higher pressure in winter.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,803
Likes: 12
From: Charleston, SC
GL450
Possibly I'm misunderstanding, but if you go into a turn too hot, or get too hot on the throttle when cornering, and the rear slides out, that means there's something wrong with your driving, not with the car. Even the 500 motor has enough to power slide.
I would consider an actual problem to be hitting a divider or pothole, under coasting throttle, while going straight, and having the car squirm back and forth in the back end.
I would consider an actual problem to be hitting a divider or pothole, under coasting throttle, while going straight, and having the car squirm back and forth in the back end.
Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 192
Likes: 4
From: Western New York, USA
2004 CL500
Possibly I'm misunderstanding, but if you go into a turn too hot, or get too hot on the throttle when cornering, and the rear slides out, that means there's something wrong with your driving, not with the car. Even the 500 motor has enough to power slide.
I would consider an actual problem to be hitting a divider or pothole, under coasting throttle, while going straight, and having the car squirm back and forth in the back end.
I would consider an actual problem to be hitting a divider or pothole, under coasting throttle, while going straight, and having the car squirm back and forth in the back end.
Last edited by mf219; Nov 24, 2010 at 07:14 PM. Reason: spelling
