View Poll Results: ABC Hose Lifespan before leak/failure
Under 50,000 Miles
7
12.96%
50,000-60,000
9
16.67%
60,000-70,000
9
16.67%
70,000-80,000
6
11.11%
80,000+
23
42.59%
Voters: 54. You may not vote on this poll
ABC hose service life expectancy...
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 401
Likes: 46
From: Ontario, Canada
MB 2003 S600. Volvo 2003 XC70.
seems i was mistaken, i'm merely speaking from my understanding that i've had zero issues whatsoever with my coilovers
i can only assume that the control arms (or whatever holds the struts in place in relation to the frame of the car) are beefed up/compensated to utilize the lack of sway bars. all i know is i have not had any issues at all...
i can only assume that the control arms (or whatever holds the struts in place in relation to the frame of the car) are beefed up/compensated to utilize the lack of sway bars. all i know is i have not had any issues at all...
The sway bars are common practice in most modern cars. It connects both struts in one axle. This setup keeps inside and outside at the similar level when cornering hence reduce body roll.
Actually there are 4 black spheres in ABC:
- High pressure damper on PSV(pressure supply valve): PSV is on passenger side in front of transmission;
- High pressure reservior on front valve body: front valve body is on driver side behind the bumper;
- High pressure reservior on rear valve body; rear valve body is on driver side in front of rear wheel;
- Reture reservior on rear valve body.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2012
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2002 CL500 to CL55 conversion
i cannot attest to whether or not they're still working, but they still worked when i had my abc system - i would be willing to part with the accumulators on my car for 35 a piece or 60 for both. something to consider, shipping included
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 401
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From: Ontario, Canada
MB 2003 S600. Volvo 2003 XC70.
Guys,
Just completed my ABC high pressure lines/hoses replace after 4 lines found weeping. The hydraulic lines/hoses modification will help/simplify future ABC maintenace. Feels like another routine maintenance: inspect ABC components regularly, replace part when there is sign of dederiorate.
Detail's here: https://mbworld.org/forums/5659409-post162.html
Good luck.
Howard
Just completed my ABC high pressure lines/hoses replace after 4 lines found weeping. The hydraulic lines/hoses modification will help/simplify future ABC maintenace. Feels like another routine maintenance: inspect ABC components regularly, replace part when there is sign of dederiorate.
Detail's here: https://mbworld.org/forums/5659409-post162.html
Good luck.
Howard
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2010
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2013 Audi S4 Stasis, 2013 Audi TTS, 1996 C3500 Dually, 1967 442, 2005 CL65-Sold, 2006 E320 CDI-Sold
Alx is right. Replace your accumulators between 80,000 -100,000 miles and your hoses will be better off.
When the accumulators start to lose charge (and they will after 8 years or so) and or the diaphragm starts to breakdown, the hydrostatic shock in the system is more than enough to start blowing hoses.
When the accumulators start to lose charge (and they will after 8 years or so) and or the diaphragm starts to breakdown, the hydrostatic shock in the system is more than enough to start blowing hoses.
Super Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 556
Likes: 10
From: UK
S55K AMG
From what the guys are saying here, the accumulators are supposed to be even easier so i guess it wont be anything more than a few up and down cycles really.
But if you can possibly take a few pics along the way that would be mighty handy for the likes of me.
Im taking the car to an Indy on Thursday hopefully to get the ABC fluid flushed so il get him to check the ABC system, including hoses, pump and accumulators. If i need new accumulators then il be looking at you for advice on replacement.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Welwyn, Herts, UK
2006 S600
Nick
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 401
Likes: 46
From: Ontario, Canada
MB 2003 S600. Volvo 2003 XC70.
There's another good idea: when the replacement hose sections are fitted with their compression joints, its easy to replace the hose next time. Leave the OE fittings in place, and just undo the compression joints. Getting a spare is easy - just measure up the old part and tell the hydraulic pipe shop what you want. IIRC all ABC metal pipes are 10mm OD, and the hoses are standard two-wire, 3/8, 300 bar hoses.
Nick
Nick
Howard
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 52
Likes: 3
2004 S600
2003 S600 and has 85k miles. I do preventative maintenance like checking fluid level and replacing oil and filter. ABC overall is in good shape.
As the weather is getting better I'm replacing 4 of the 10 high pressure lines/hoses. The 4 I'm working on are seeping oil. I believe they may last another year or so, but it is safe to replace any hose in question.
See one of the them in picture 1. Thanks Nick's research I just have a shop made the 4 lines/hoses by using best parts including 4800psi hoses and fittings, see picture 2. New and old compare in picture 3.
Going to put them back and get more worry free miles.
As the weather is getting better I'm replacing 4 of the 10 high pressure lines/hoses. The 4 I'm working on are seeping oil. I believe they may last another year or so, but it is safe to replace any hose in question.
See one of the them in picture 1. Thanks Nick's research I just have a shop made the 4 lines/hoses by using best parts including 4800psi hoses and fittings, see picture 2. New and old compare in picture 3.
Going to put them back and get more worry free miles.
Thanks,
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Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 401
Likes: 46
From: Ontario, Canada
MB 2003 S600. Volvo 2003 XC70.
You will find more details about this project in my maintenance thread:
https://mbworld.org/forums/5659409-post162.html
Thanks.
Howard
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Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Welwyn, Herts, UK
2006 S600
They're tens of bucks - do an ebay search for "hydraulic hose assembly". I'm not saying that's where you should get them, but that'll give you an idea. There are LOTS of places that make hydraulic hoses at a fraction of MB OE prices.
Nick
Nick
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 401
Likes: 46
From: Ontario, Canada
MB 2003 S600. Volvo 2003 XC70.
That's why I buy parts from States whenever it is possible.
That's why there were only 3 S600 for me to choose nation wide.
Your guys are lucky.
Howard
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From: Welwyn, Herts, UK
2006 S600
I'm going to change another one of mine next week. The pipe from the front valve block to the right strut is seeping, so I'm going to change that. Its quite long, so it'll be a bit more expensive than the last I had done, which was only about £40/$60. Commuting to work is one thing, but I don't want the worry of an ABC failure with the family on board this summer. Plus I like the engine compartment to be dry!
I've recently been thinking about using something other than Pentosin for the ABC fluid. The specs and approvals are the same for all the other CHF-11S fluids, which you can buy anywhere.
Nick
I've recently been thinking about using something other than Pentosin for the ABC fluid. The specs and approvals are the same for all the other CHF-11S fluids, which you can buy anywhere.
Nick
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From: SF
07 E63 06 CLK55 Cab 03 P-car C4S
my S600's in shop again this week - hoses which were replaced 4 months ago blew, and need to re-do, and it's covered by MB dealer's 1 yr/unlimited mileage warranty.
i'm a bit schizo on the ABC system over the past 5 yrs of experience between my S55 and now S600. my gut feel is it's a poorly designed(unreliable) system compared w/ what mercedes has done in the past, and that they shouldn't have put it into the cars - the cost/benefit(and hit to their reputation) for having it in the W220 has been an overall negative. that said, from what i've heard, it appears that (finally) most of the bugs have been worked out and there's no complaints on ABC from W221 owners(pls correct me if i'm wrong).
p.s. Similarly, it appears that most of the prior generation airmatics have now been replaced and now they're (finally) reliable with new cars (or older cars that have been replaced w/ new parts)?
Patrick
i'm a bit schizo on the ABC system over the past 5 yrs of experience between my S55 and now S600. my gut feel is it's a poorly designed(unreliable) system compared w/ what mercedes has done in the past, and that they shouldn't have put it into the cars - the cost/benefit(and hit to their reputation) for having it in the W220 has been an overall negative. that said, from what i've heard, it appears that (finally) most of the bugs have been worked out and there's no complaints on ABC from W221 owners(pls correct me if i'm wrong).
p.s. Similarly, it appears that most of the prior generation airmatics have now been replaced and now they're (finally) reliable with new cars (or older cars that have been replaced w/ new parts)?
Patrick
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From: Welwyn, Herts, UK
2006 S600
I think if you look at the W216/221 forums you'l still see people complaining about ABC problems - just not as often as W215/220 - when it was first introduced. Remember that we're really the guinea pigs for ABC technology.
Hydraulics are nothing new, but the V12TT engine compartment is a harsh environment, and the automotive industry hasn't adapted to the service & support needs like the building, agriculture and automation industries have. Hydraulics aren't fit-for-life like other components, they need to be maintained, and both the design of the car and the approach to servicing need to reflect that.
Pumps, valves and hoses should be easily accessible, and they DO have to inspected regularly, as ABC can give various forms of advance warning of failure. Fluids and filters need to be replaced periodically like other systems, and the hardware should use industry-standard fittings and interfaces so anyone can do it.
Unfortunately there's little room for the ABC system, so everything is packaged into awkward spaces, and only cleverly-shaped MB OE parts will fit, and the dealers don't seem to have a very pro-active approach.
Nick
Hydraulics are nothing new, but the V12TT engine compartment is a harsh environment, and the automotive industry hasn't adapted to the service & support needs like the building, agriculture and automation industries have. Hydraulics aren't fit-for-life like other components, they need to be maintained, and both the design of the car and the approach to servicing need to reflect that.
Pumps, valves and hoses should be easily accessible, and they DO have to inspected regularly, as ABC can give various forms of advance warning of failure. Fluids and filters need to be replaced periodically like other systems, and the hardware should use industry-standard fittings and interfaces so anyone can do it.
Unfortunately there's little room for the ABC system, so everything is packaged into awkward spaces, and only cleverly-shaped MB OE parts will fit, and the dealers don't seem to have a very pro-active approach.
Nick
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2015 Challenger Hellcat, 2023 Ram 3500, 2005 E55 Wagon, 2019 GLC63s
I concur with everything that Howard has said. I'm in the same boat.
R.K.
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From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
The new ones are just as bad. It's just a function of time and or mileage. ABC sucks but Airmatic sucks less because it is cheaper to repair and less prone to failure.
Member
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From: Southern California
97 Lexus LS400, 04 Mustang, 08 Corvette Z51, 92 Honda Civic Si, 02 CL500, 03 E500
ABC Hi-Pressure Hoses
Howard- Do you know if the base W215 also have 10 hi-pressure hoses or less? Do you or anyone also have a diagram showing the location of all these hoses? Thanks
Super Member
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From: UK
S55K AMG
Not looking forward to this.
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From: Welwyn, Herts, UK
2006 S600
Unfortunately that diagram doesn't show the location of the FLEXIBLE hoses. I don't think there's any single diagram that does. I've got some files and links somewhere; I'll dig them up.
The W215 and W220 have the same system.
Nick
The W215 and W220 have the same system.
Nick
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From: Southern California
97 Lexus LS400, 04 Mustang, 08 Corvette Z51, 92 Honda Civic Si, 02 CL500, 03 E500
Yes, even though the diagram doesn't show which sections are the rubber hoses but all ABC components & lines are there so we can easily figure out once we get underneath the car. The front & rear axle valve units (Y36/1 & Y36/2) are the valve blocks which everyone is also referring to & they can be removed, cleaned and/or reconditioned without buying new ones. The front & rear axle pressure reservoirs (14 & 4) are also referring by many as pressure accumulators. For the front, it's a round plastic ball which is attached to the front valve block via a metal bracket. The assy comes out as 1 piece when you disconnect all the hoses.
Last edited by superfast; Apr 25, 2014 at 03:23 PM.
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From: UK
S55K AMG
My problem at the minute is figuring out the type of connections we need. I saw a photo posted by Welwynnick in another post that shows the new rubber hoses next to the old lines and if im not mistaken the connections on the new ones have been changed???
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From: UK
S55K AMG
