vader14

Hello everyone. I have a 2005 S55 & I'm looking for a mechanic, or someone who can install my pulsation dampener. Unfortunately, the mechanic I've been using for years is afraid to install the new dampener in my car. Anytime I wanted some work dealing with the ABC suspension. I had to go elsewhere because he doesn't like dealing with the system. SMH

As a result, I had another ABC mechanic who did all my fluid changes and things of that nature. But he's no longer in business now. So now I'm looking for help to have this dampener installed.

Any suggestions or recommendations for a mechanic would be greatly appreciated.

I currently live in the New York City area. But I'm willing to travel to New Jersey and maybe even parts of Connecticut to finally have this thing installed in my car.

WillyG

Not sure how mechanically inclined you are. But if you remove the front passenger wheel it should be visible.

amstel78

It's a fairly straightforward job. In my case, getting a wrench thin enough to go around the pulsation damper collar was a bit of a task. Also, ended up having to use a pipe wrench to provide sufficient counter leverage on the mount when torquing off.

If yours is the one that's mounted near the front passenger wheel well, then jack up the front end and leave it in the air for about 30 minutes to allow the pressure in the front struts to come down. After, you should be able to take the old pulsation damper off and install a new one. If done right, very little if any ABC fluid will leak out. Just be quick about putting the new one on to prevent any contamination from entering the system. After, lower the car back to the ground gently as there won't be any pressure in the front struts. Turn the car on, and run through the height settings a few times. Stop and check fluid level. You shouldn't have to add anything, but if you do, make sure you're in the right lines for engine off and engine on.

P.S. you can check out Euro Autoworks in Fairfield, NJ. They're MB specialists. I used them to change out my engine mounts in the 65. They're quick and prices are very fair. You can give them a call to get a quote. I'm sure they'll be able to square you away if you feel this is something you don't want to do yourself.

maw1124

The ABC system is finicky and expensive. For that reason, I tend to leave the dealer on the hook for it. The ABC fluid and filter service and dampers are cheap enough that I'm not saving enough money to justify the risk of a small shop or DIY on that system (the costs are well known).

Second tip is do all the dampers at the same time. Doing one but leaving the others just stresses the lines in between. Once you know what the dampers do, you'll know why that's the case.

International Motors in South Orange, NJ (973-761-1254, ask for George the owner) is good, experienced and fair. But again, friends don't let friends work on their ABC systems. Leave the dealers on the hook for that risk. It's the one thing they're good for.

maw

amstel78

Hey maw,

At the end of the day, ABC is just another computer controlled hydraulic system. There's really no magic or mystery to them. But what does scare people are the costs of the components, or what could happen if they all collectively fail due to a bad repair job, wrong fluid type, etc. In my experience, a lot of the MB dealerships (in my area) don't have techs that fully understand these cars. There are some, but they're few and far between. For instance, whenever I have to take my car to a dealer, there's only one I'll go to, and only one tech that I request work on the car. They know me, so they usually accommodate my request. On the other hand, quite a few respected independent shops that specialize in MB have techs that are well versed in using SDS and diagnosing ABC systems. So in a pinch, I don't mind using an indy for ABC work if its something I can't do myself. In quite a few cases, the work done by an independent has surpassed the quality of work done by dealer tech, and usually at a cheaper price.

Anyway, these cars are way past their warranty expiration date. So even if you took the car to the dealer for SDS service and they bork your system, they may end up telling you that it's gonna cost to fix their mistake. Not many dealerships now will own up to their errors, much less pay for them if they think they can run a fast one by you.

It's a shame that a tandem pump can cost upwards of $1,000, hydraulic hoses in the $300-400 range, and rebuilt struts are in the $500-600 ballpark... not including labor replacement fees! If the parts costs were lower, then I think more people would be inclined to doing their own maintenance. I mean $400 for a hydraulic hose? Puhleeeessse...

maw1124

"the costs of the components, or what could happen if they all collectively fail due to a bad repair job, wrong fluid type, etc."

Absolutely. These are the things that I'm taking off the table by having the dealer do it.

I have an Indy that l trust to do mine (only when I'm in FL), but when the car is not there (which is most of the time) l leave the dealer on the hook for simple service. Repair is a different story, for the reasons you state — I don’t like paying parts markup, and since my guys do all of my cars, they don’t rape me. MB started going AMG dealerships with techs who know these cars (AMG Performance Centers, they call them). The one dealer I use is one of those. Contamination of the system is why I don’t recommend indy’s to "the uninitiated". You kind of need to know the shop, dealer or not.

vader14

Unfortunately that's something I don't know how to do. But thanks for your help.

vader14

Unfortunately, i'm not mechanically inclined...But thank you for the referral. I will check them out.

vader14

Great Idea...I just ordered the other accumulators.I will also check out the Indy you recommended.

Thank you

Colin Frolick

correct about the thin wrench, I actually ground this one thinner to fit, and used a drift to hold the mount. spin it off and install a new one. don't forget that little white plastic piece that sticks into the accumulator. done!

amstel78

You really should take some time to learn these cars. Doing some of the more simple things like this on your own are not only rewarding in terms of accomplishment, but also money saving. I would say that if you're ever inclined to go to PA (my summer house and garage with tools are there), I could show you how to do this job. It would take about an hour from start to finish; and that's going slow so I could explain the process.

Anyway, do give the guys over at Euro Autoworks a call. As I said, they're very reasonable in terms of labor costs. If you decide to go with them, let them know the "Manhattan James with the S65" sent ya. I had them swap out my engine mounts in the S65 because it would have taken me a lot longer to do it myself, plus I'd have to rent or buy specialized tools which would have cost almost as much as I paid to have them do it in 3 hours. It's true that there are some things that's just better paying someone to do than do it yourself, but in this case, a pulsation damper is an easy job that most with a jack, two stands, and a few wrenches could do on their own.

Cheers,
James

vader14

I totally agree with you James. I should learn how to do this & more. Unfortunately, I wouldn't know where to begin. And this is coming from someone who doesn't even know how to change a flat tire...SMH! I know that's nothing to be proud of. It's just the honest truth. I never had anyone show me how. My last mechanic for over 10 years was supposed to show me little things like how to change my oil. But he never did and I didn't want to push the issue.

I guess I go through all that to say, I would like to take you up on your offer if available.If not I understand. I purchased the other accumulators as suggested by maw1124. Plus I have around 15 quarts of fluid as well.

Thank you for all your advice & referrals. It's greatly appreciated

Colin