ABC strut issue
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,342
Likes: 11
From: PA
S600, GL450, GLC 43
ABC strut issue
Okay guys, I might have a problem here.
I have my S600 in storage for our lovely winter here in Pittsburgh. Anyway, I went to start her the other night, and after looking around the car I noticed the left front fender was sitting WAY too low.
As soon as I started her up, it came right back up to ride height,
The car sat for about 3 weeks.
Is it normal for them to leak down?
I never noticed this issue last year, so my first thought was/is that I might be having the dreaded ABC strut failure. Although I do not remember how long in-between start ups I let her sit last year.
Anybody else have this issue from storage?
I have my S600 in storage for our lovely winter here in Pittsburgh. Anyway, I went to start her the other night, and after looking around the car I noticed the left front fender was sitting WAY too low.
As soon as I started her up, it came right back up to ride height,
The car sat for about 3 weeks.
Is it normal for them to leak down?
I never noticed this issue last year, so my first thought was/is that I might be having the dreaded ABC strut failure. Although I do not remember how long in-between start ups I let her sit last year.
Anybody else have this issue from storage?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,681
Likes: 2
From: SF
07 E63 06 CLK55 Cab 03 P-car C4S
unfortunately, this is the early symptoms of ABC valve block, imho.
mine did this for a while, and it usually went down very slowly...probably over a 2-4 days period. however, one day, the red light will go on.
i've heard some people say this is repairable and perhaps worth doing a flush, but not sure.
if not, something is probably clogging the block and thus it's not sealing completely.
recently i've heard they say re-manufactured blocks.
that said, it's very expensive as after the block, it requires a full flush, followed by rodeo up/down svc.
PL
mine did this for a while, and it usually went down very slowly...probably over a 2-4 days period. however, one day, the red light will go on.
i've heard some people say this is repairable and perhaps worth doing a flush, but not sure.
if not, something is probably clogging the block and thus it's not sealing completely.
recently i've heard they say re-manufactured blocks.
that said, it's very expensive as after the block, it requires a full flush, followed by rodeo up/down svc.
PL
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,342
Likes: 11
From: PA
S600, GL450, GLC 43
Thanks guys
I am not to worried about price as I have a CPO car
Down side, I am guessing that they will reset my ride height, as I did have it lowered by Eurocharged via star.
Oh well, better to be riding high, than not riding at all.
I am not to worried about price as I have a CPO car
Down side, I am guessing that they will reset my ride height, as I did have it lowered by Eurocharged via star.
Oh well, better to be riding high, than not riding at all.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,342
Likes: 11
From: PA
S600, GL450, GLC 43
Update
Okay, I just came from my dealership today, but with good news. I filled out all the paperwork for the rental and then SA and the mechanic came out to talk with me.
According to both of them, it is common for both the ABC and airmatic's to leak down over a few weeks of storage. Especially one side only. After a lengthy talk, they suggested I save my money, as I was willing to pay for a fluid flush.
Again, according to them, the valve blocks on the ABC cars are metal, which makes since as they operate around 3000 psi. And that they can leak down during extended periods of rest.
Their point of interest was that IF the car does not pop back up upon starting, or if it happens over just a few days, then YES there is trouble.
On an interesting point, they do NOT recommend changing the ABC fluid, unless there was a leak, or some other work required.
Final result after a quick scan, nothing to worry about.
I just hope they are correct and I am not going to be looking for a strut, valve block, or pump soon
According to both of them, it is common for both the ABC and airmatic's to leak down over a few weeks of storage. Especially one side only. After a lengthy talk, they suggested I save my money, as I was willing to pay for a fluid flush.
Again, according to them, the valve blocks on the ABC cars are metal, which makes since as they operate around 3000 psi. And that they can leak down during extended periods of rest.
Their point of interest was that IF the car does not pop back up upon starting, or if it happens over just a few days, then YES there is trouble.
On an interesting point, they do NOT recommend changing the ABC fluid, unless there was a leak, or some other work required.
Final result after a quick scan, nothing to worry about.
I just hope they are correct and I am not going to be looking for a strut, valve block, or pump soon
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,342
Likes: 11
From: PA
S600, GL450, GLC 43
Update
Well I met with the original owner yesterday to have some drinks. I asked him if it ever sagged on him, and sure enough he said it would over a period of two weeks. Since this is exactly what is happening to me, I feel relieved that nothing has broke, or NO new symptoms.
the dealer ship also gave me a print out of common issues, and it stated that it is NORMAL for the ABC equipped cars to sag over long periods of time.
Bottom line, I do not feel anything is hurt.
It was a nice time with the original owner, who I feel 100% NEVER beat on her. He thought I was NUTS for road racing such a big car
and then laughed his *** off when I told him the quarter mile times
the dealer ship also gave me a print out of common issues, and it stated that it is NORMAL for the ABC equipped cars to sag over long periods of time.
Bottom line, I do not feel anything is hurt.
It was a nice time with the original owner, who I feel 100% NEVER beat on her. He thought I was NUTS for road racing such a big car
and then laughed his *** off when I told him the quarter mile times
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,121
Likes: 86
From: West Plam Beach, FL
'16 S550 Coupe, '11 Lexus LS460, '02 CL500 (SOLD)
After a week of sitting, the vast majority of them will start to drop. My '02 CL500 started doing so after about 15K miles and it is the same left front. I've had it checked by 2 different stealers several times over the years and they all say it is normal. MB put out a bulletin to this effect some years ago. Dropping after a day or 2, however, is another story and this would indicate problems, probably a valve.
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,455
Likes: 11
From: Long Island, NY
W220 S65 AMG
The valves indeed have metal/metal seals and thus it is possible for the fluid to leak out over extended periods of time. Also the fluid contracts during the winter and this could cause it to leak back into the system.
No troubles at all!
IF the car starts doing this more often, then I would recommend a flush of the ABC hydraulic oil.
No troubles at all!
IF the car starts doing this more often, then I would recommend a flush of the ABC hydraulic oil.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
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
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
