Do I need disable SBC for brake work if I have batteries disconnected?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 47
Likes: 12
From: Arizona
2004 E55 AMG, 1996 SL500, 2004 E400 4Matic Wagon
Do I need disable SBC for brake work if I have batteries disconnected?
Hello,
One (or both) front air struts of my 2003 E500 has sprung a leak and cannot be inflated. I'm planning to replace them. While I have the struts out and the car up on jack stands with the wheels off, I want to replace the upper control arms, brake rotors, and brake pads.
From my research, it seems I need to disconnect the main battery before replacing air struts. Also, to disconnect the passenger-side upper control arm, it's been suggested I remove the auxiliary battery. Do I still have to disable SBC using my scan tool before starting all the work if BOTH batteries are going to be disconnected? Will disconnecting both batteries cause issues that will require additional initialization of components when they are both connected at the end?
Thanks,
RC
One (or both) front air struts of my 2003 E500 has sprung a leak and cannot be inflated. I'm planning to replace them. While I have the struts out and the car up on jack stands with the wheels off, I want to replace the upper control arms, brake rotors, and brake pads.
From my research, it seems I need to disconnect the main battery before replacing air struts. Also, to disconnect the passenger-side upper control arm, it's been suggested I remove the auxiliary battery. Do I still have to disable SBC using my scan tool before starting all the work if BOTH batteries are going to be disconnected? Will disconnecting both batteries cause issues that will require additional initialization of components when they are both connected at the end?
Thanks,
RC
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,966
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From: Republic of Texas
'99 and '05 E55 AMG
If you remove both batteries there is no need to disable the SBC. No power, no work. You will have to re-initialize windows, sunroof, possibly steering angle sensor, etc...Run a scan after reconnecting the batteries, you may have multiple errors indicating power interruption and CANBUS failure. Just clear any errors caused by disconnecting the batteries.
Also, when you receive the new air struts (I'm assuming you are ordering Arnotts), check the struts to insure the bladder is inflated *before* you disassemble the front suspension. Happened to me; I disassembled the front suspension only to open the box and discover I received a defective strut. Arnott exchanged it with no problems but I really disliked performing the same job twice (I needed the car for work so I had to reassemble the suspension so I could drive it until the exchange strut arrived).
Also, when you receive the new air struts (I'm assuming you are ordering Arnotts), check the struts to insure the bladder is inflated *before* you disassemble the front suspension. Happened to me; I disassembled the front suspension only to open the box and discover I received a defective strut. Arnott exchanged it with no problems but I really disliked performing the same job twice (I needed the car for work so I had to reassemble the suspension so I could drive it until the exchange strut arrived).
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 47
Likes: 12
From: Arizona
2004 E55 AMG, 1996 SL500, 2004 E400 4Matic Wagon
Thanks for the info. Just one follow up question: If I end up not doing the brakes and disconnecting only the main battery but leaving the auxiliary battery connected will I still have to do the re-initialization steps?
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,224
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From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
Sunroof and window calibration is not a big deal and I usually do it when driving slowly, so don't sweat doing that after battery disconnecting. Not sure if W211 will remember garage code, but that is not such big deal neither.
Bottom line, when you stick your fingers between pieces who can get activated, you better make sure all the power is disconnected.
