Riding on ROCKS!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Riding on ROCKS!
Man, this car is beating me up right now, stiff as heck. Not bouncy, but rock solid and squirming all over the place on every little bump.
I've had the same setup for years, and the velvet ride is LONG gone.
My ABC needs repairs though, hoping someone can tell me which one would be the culprit, if any. No ABC errors, and raise/lower works fine, fluids are topped. Only symptom is the HARD ride, and a hissing noise from the passenger side pulsation/damper and/or valve thats attached to it.
- Front valve block needs changing, front end drops after couple days. Can live with that for now since thats a $1400 part.
- Pulsation Damper needs change, hums, drones, vibrates. Just ordered today.
- Hissing noise from pulsation damper and valve/sensor area (don't know exactly which) for about 30 seconds after car is turned off.
- front pressure reservoir bulb was just changed, some knucklehead told me that was the pulsation damper so I replaced it, goodbye $200 bucks!
I have the budget to fix all this, I'm just scared to make another mistake for 1, and secondly, if I can spread these repairs out over the next couple weeks to save costs after the holidays.
If I should replace it all now, with a helpful explanation so I can understand it, then thats what I'll do come monday.
I've had the same setup for years, and the velvet ride is LONG gone.
My ABC needs repairs though, hoping someone can tell me which one would be the culprit, if any. No ABC errors, and raise/lower works fine, fluids are topped. Only symptom is the HARD ride, and a hissing noise from the passenger side pulsation/damper and/or valve thats attached to it.
- Front valve block needs changing, front end drops after couple days. Can live with that for now since thats a $1400 part.
- Pulsation Damper needs change, hums, drones, vibrates. Just ordered today.
- Hissing noise from pulsation damper and valve/sensor area (don't know exactly which) for about 30 seconds after car is turned off.
- front pressure reservoir bulb was just changed, some knucklehead told me that was the pulsation damper so I replaced it, goodbye $200 bucks!
I have the budget to fix all this, I'm just scared to make another mistake for 1, and secondly, if I can spread these repairs out over the next couple weeks to save costs after the holidays.
If I should replace it all now, with a helpful explanation so I can understand it, then thats what I'll do come monday.
Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
2005 CL65 (current), 2001 CL600 (chopped)
I think it's better to replace it all at once rather than one by one. Trash/dirt/debris from dirty system can ruin a new part. Also there's no point in doing the necessary services over and over again when you can do it once. I don't know if it's necessary but I think rodeo should be done after each part is replaced to bleed all new air introduced to system (the fast way). No sense doing 5 rodeos.
It's also unusual for weak ABC system to ride harder. Usually it rides softer. Maybe your pressure relief valve is not diverting pressure back to return properly? ABC pump only supposed to supply 200bar (~3000psi) of pressure. Relief valve might be stuck open, causing system overpressure? I would recommend getting someone with STAR to monitor the PSI. Once that pulsation damper blows, it's likely to kill the pressure relief valve/sensor. That's probably what's causing the hissing and harsh ride. It's usually a better idea to order the valve/sensor because it comes w/ the attached pulsation damper. No point in buying 2 of them, but that is the gamble.
It's also unusual for weak ABC system to ride harder. Usually it rides softer. Maybe your pressure relief valve is not diverting pressure back to return properly? ABC pump only supposed to supply 200bar (~3000psi) of pressure. Relief valve might be stuck open, causing system overpressure? I would recommend getting someone with STAR to monitor the PSI. Once that pulsation damper blows, it's likely to kill the pressure relief valve/sensor. That's probably what's causing the hissing and harsh ride. It's usually a better idea to order the valve/sensor because it comes w/ the attached pulsation damper. No point in buying 2 of them, but that is the gamble.
Last edited by ch33sehead; Dec 30, 2011 at 11:50 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
I think your right ch33sehead. I just called and ordered the valve (pressure valve) as well.. An extra $800 bucks though, but something tells me thats part of the problem. I also heard it could be the sensor in the valve, good thing is the new valves all come with new sensors, they don't sell the sensors separate anymore.
As far as the valve block for the front end. WOW, just found out that thing is $1500!! Tech says that this valve shouldn't contaminate system, but will continue to drop the front end after several hours. Says if I'm ok with that for now, I can get buy, and replace that valve later.
I also ordered a new filter and I'm gonna flush first, if all goes well, leave it be, if its still not back to the way it used to ride, then I'm gonna have the rodeo done.
As far as the valve block for the front end. WOW, just found out that thing is $1500!! Tech says that this valve shouldn't contaminate system, but will continue to drop the front end after several hours. Says if I'm ok with that for now, I can get buy, and replace that valve later.
I also ordered a new filter and I'm gonna flush first, if all goes well, leave it be, if its still not back to the way it used to ride, then I'm gonna have the rodeo done.
Last edited by 05CL55; Jan 2, 2012 at 03:17 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 29
Likes: 1
1989 300te
mmm hard ride can be related to abc ecu software,easy to do with mb start and flash the ecu, did that on both of my cl's, i sold my cl 600 today 78k milles never a problem still driving a 500 with 56k milles and only a block was changed and was my fault for not doing filter routine like i ussed to do. btw front block valve new stile with dust cover is under 1200 buks dont trust every body out there do some research i can give you my indy phone number in tx, he loves the cl's and would talk to you for hours on the phone he's the man
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
I just changed the pulsation damper, front valve block, and filter with fluid, got a white abc eror, car wont raise, rear is at its last height left, font is on the gound.
Errrggghh
Also, i tried adding 1 bar (15psi) to the tank to help kick start the pump....nothing...
Errrggghh
Also, i tried adding 1 bar (15psi) to the tank to help kick start the pump....nothing...
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
8 Oddball Mercedes Ideas That Actually Made it to Production
Verdad Gallardo
Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look
Verdad Gallardo
Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish
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
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Definitely convinced it has something to do with getting the pump primed or kick started. If i add 15psi to the tank, i can hear the pump struggling for the first 10 seconds then it shuts off. With no psi, the pump doesnt sound like its even trying to kick on.
Should i increase psi? Should i bleed somewhere, maybe theres a bunch of air in there?
Should i increase psi? Should i bleed somewhere, maybe theres a bunch of air in there?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,559
Likes: 79
2015 Challenger Hellcat, 2023 Ram 3500, 2005 E55 Wagon, 2019 GLC63s
Definitely convinced it has something to do with getting the pump primed or kick started. If i add 15psi to the tank, i can hear the pump struggling for the first 10 seconds then it shuts off. With no psi, the pump doesnt sound like its even trying to kick on.
Should i increase psi? Should i bleed somewhere, maybe theres a bunch of air in there?
Should i increase psi? Should i bleed somewhere, maybe theres a bunch of air in there?
Of you're seeing 15psi/1 bar then your pump is toast. I believe it runs at 2000-3000psi.
R.K.
Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
2005 CL65 (current), 2001 CL600 (chopped)
He's talking about adding PSI to the reservoir to prime the pump to bleed the pump. Every time you remove parts from ABC system you introduce air. This air needs to be bled out of the system.
You need to lift it off all 4 wheels, open each bleed screws (slowly!) til you see fluid and then close them. Do this for each of the 4 bleed screws. Put the car back down, then start the car, press up/up/down/up/up/down about 5-6 times. Keep checking fluid levels while doing this. If doing this a couple times this doesn't get all the air out then you need to do rodeo a couple times.
You need to lift it off all 4 wheels, open each bleed screws (slowly!) til you see fluid and then close them. Do this for each of the 4 bleed screws. Put the car back down, then start the car, press up/up/down/up/up/down about 5-6 times. Keep checking fluid levels while doing this. If doing this a couple times this doesn't get all the air out then you need to do rodeo a couple times.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Thanks ch33se, I'm gonna bleed the 4 and give it a shot. If you can think of anything else, let me know to help me save some $$. Cause after bleeding, im going have to take it in, which means a tow truck $$ and probably much more money for the stealership.
So far I'm stuck at that point though. Rear is fine, front dropped all the way.
With 15psi in the reservoir tank, on first start the pump will try and run for about 5-10 seconds before shutting itself off. Raise/lower button does nothing and still got a white ABC error.
I'm really hoping I can prime this pump as I'll feel really stupid when the tow bill ends up costing what the labor would have been to had the stealership done it in the first place. My hands will probably smell like hydraulic fluid for the next week.
Btw, are you bleeding with the engine off?
So far I'm stuck at that point though. Rear is fine, front dropped all the way.
With 15psi in the reservoir tank, on first start the pump will try and run for about 5-10 seconds before shutting itself off. Raise/lower button does nothing and still got a white ABC error.
I'm really hoping I can prime this pump as I'll feel really stupid when the tow bill ends up costing what the labor would have been to had the stealership done it in the first place. My hands will probably smell like hydraulic fluid for the next week.
Btw, are you bleeding with the engine off?
Last edited by 05CL55; Jan 14, 2012 at 10:47 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
DAMN.... get this...
I just checked the electrical connections. 1 the female was bad (misaligned) and the second connector the male was bent and wasn't making contact. I was going nuclear crazy last night trying to solve this, sprayed hydraulic fluid all over my garage trying to pressurize the pump, spilled hydraulic fluid after the return line popped off the reservoir from pumping air into it, and was about to tow this in tomorrow, all cause the darn connectors weren't at best.
Sheeese!!!
Started car, didn't need to pressurize or anything, just popped right up! errors gone!
I just checked the electrical connections. 1 the female was bad (misaligned) and the second connector the male was bent and wasn't making contact. I was going nuclear crazy last night trying to solve this, sprayed hydraulic fluid all over my garage trying to pressurize the pump, spilled hydraulic fluid after the return line popped off the reservoir from pumping air into it, and was about to tow this in tomorrow, all cause the darn connectors weren't at best.
Sheeese!!!
Started car, didn't need to pressurize or anything, just popped right up! errors gone!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
yeah I did. Only problem is the car still rides hard, but the dropping after being parked has stopped. Car also still hisses for 20 seconds after shut down.
The hard ride to me is actually the worst. I wonder if theres a dampening sensor or something somewhere they may be bad. The rear primarily is hard, both sides.
The hard ride to me is actually the worst. I wonder if theres a dampening sensor or something somewhere they may be bad. The rear primarily is hard, both sides.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
yes, post #6 the damper/accumulator (attached to pressure valve) are the same thing, that was replaced, as well as the front reservoir attached to the valve block.
Only thing left I can think of, is the pressure valve. Thats where the hissing sounds like its coming from.
Only thing left I can think of, is the pressure valve. Thats where the hissing sounds like its coming from.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Yeah, that hissing still won't go away, and it still rides hard. I even raised the car back with the stock ride height links, still pretty hard. If I'm in a turn and I hit a bump, the car will get skippish across the bumps.
Hey where did you find a grille like that for a histrionic car? I've been looking for 1 of those.
Hey where did you find a grille like that for a histrionic car? I've been looking for 1 of those.
MBworld Guru
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,345
Likes: 10
From: Irvine
04 CL55, 05 E500S4, 15 BMW i3 REx
Yeah, that hissing still won't go away, and it still rides hard. I even raised the car back with the stock ride height links, still pretty hard. If I'm in a turn and I hit a bump, the car will get skippish across the bumps.
Hey where did you find a grille like that for a histrionic car? I've been looking for 1 of those.
Hey where did you find a grille like that for a histrionic car? I've been looking for 1 of those.
