Puddle of ABC fluid under car
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 53
Likes: 5
From: Crossville, TN
2006 CL55 AMG
Puddle of ABC fluid under car
The other day I went to start up my 06 CL55 to go to work and noticed aside from the normal ABC warning, there was one about the car too low. Occasionally I'd get that message, but would go away when I put it in gear and moved a few feet. It kept cycling between the normal ABC light and that, so I parked it. Later that day I checked it and the reservoir was dry, but I am parked on a slope so it wouldn't necessarily be a true reading. I ordered a quart of Pentosin fluid and filled it up today and fired it up, put it in reverse and backed it up the driveway, with the warning still on. I put it in park and got out and there is a puddle of fresh ABC fluid underneath where the car was parked, I think from the driver side wheel. After I pulled it back down to its normal spot, I saw a puddle under where it was when I had it backed up the driveway, so it's definitely leaking very badly from somewhere.
When I can get this thing's front end jacked up, is there a particular part of the car I should look at for obvious fluid leaks, or will it be pretty apparent? Since it'll need some suspension work, obviously, is there a way to visually tell the condition of the struts themselves? I understand accumulators go bad, valve blocks go bad, and hoses spring leaks like any hose eventually does, but is there a tell tale sign that one of the struts is dead? I'd hate to invest in accumulators and valve blocks and a buttload of fluid to do all the work and then find out one of the struts is bad too. At that point, it's not even nearly worth saving the ABC system versus just going to coilovers/sway bars.
When I can get this thing's front end jacked up, is there a particular part of the car I should look at for obvious fluid leaks, or will it be pretty apparent? Since it'll need some suspension work, obviously, is there a way to visually tell the condition of the struts themselves? I understand accumulators go bad, valve blocks go bad, and hoses spring leaks like any hose eventually does, but is there a tell tale sign that one of the struts is dead? I'd hate to invest in accumulators and valve blocks and a buttload of fluid to do all the work and then find out one of the struts is bad too. At that point, it's not even nearly worth saving the ABC system versus just going to coilovers/sway bars.
Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 123
Likes: 19
cl65
It should be pretty clear to see the leak if the entire ABC system has leaked out. As for where it can leak from, there are LOTS of spots. Could be the pump, accumulators, lines, blocks etc. Depending on where the leak is will help you determine what is leaking. Good luck.
Member
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 247
Likes: 58
From: Fort Worth
2005 CL55 AMG || 2005 CL65 AMG || 1989 560SEC
it should be pretty obvious where the leak is. Most big leaks are from the soft rubber ABC lines, or where they are clamped to the hard metal ABC lines. Probably hiding above the plastic splash panels on under the front of the car.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,033
Likes: 77
From: Wash. D.C.
'20 S63
Once had a leak on my CL65. See post #6 https://mbworld.org/forums/cl55-amg-...c-failure.html
