Strut drop while driving
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Joined: Apr 2021
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Offshore Research Vessel, 2016 Camry, Telluride, 2005 S55 AMG
Strut drop while driving
Ok fellas, while driving my 05 s55 to the store today the front right or back left strut ( couldn't tell as it happened so quickly) dropped or raised then went back to normal ride height. Scared the crap out of me as it was all of the sudden. No error on the dash for the suspension or anything. To me it felt in that split second that the back left rose up really fast while at the dame time the front right collapsed. Has anyone ran into this issue before? All serviceable items as well as fluid have been done to the suspension system and there are no leaks.
Thank you,
Chris
Thank you,
Chris
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Joined: Apr 2009
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'06 MB S55 AMG; '04 Audi Allroad 4.2; '05 BMW M3 Conv.; '92 MB 500E
That’s a weird one Cap… I’d suspect ABC module or sensors… I’ve not heard of it before but would check into those…start here… http://mercedes-abc-drive-carefully....y-part-of.html
I’m told the solenoids in the valve block fail, so what you describe could be a solenoid on its way out. But if it was front and rear at the same time that’s less likely.
The strut sensors are all part of the struts themselves (at least in later years IIRC) so I’d hate to replace struts for sensors (but it happens, unfortunately). Make sure they’re all clean if they’re external (but that’s a big “if”). If you’re running Arnott struts don’t be surprised if you’re in for new ones. But here again, front and rear simultaneously says likely not. Looks more like a module.
So far we’re at valve blocks, struts and module, NONE of which are cheap. So if it was my car I’d replace nothing right now and would see if there are STAR codes that someone can read. This is past DIY so take it to someone who can read the car’s computers for any stored codes that will give you some clues. This car does a good job of storing codes when little things go wrong that someone has decided don’t warrant the owner’s attention. That may narrow the list between module, sensors and valve blocks. You might find a used ABC module on eBay to have “just in case” while they’re available, in case something happened to this one before you bought the car (water).
Unfortunately that’s all I’ve got. Maybe others can chime in.
GL
maw
I’m told the solenoids in the valve block fail, so what you describe could be a solenoid on its way out. But if it was front and rear at the same time that’s less likely.
The strut sensors are all part of the struts themselves (at least in later years IIRC) so I’d hate to replace struts for sensors (but it happens, unfortunately). Make sure they’re all clean if they’re external (but that’s a big “if”). If you’re running Arnott struts don’t be surprised if you’re in for new ones. But here again, front and rear simultaneously says likely not. Looks more like a module.
So far we’re at valve blocks, struts and module, NONE of which are cheap. So if it was my car I’d replace nothing right now and would see if there are STAR codes that someone can read. This is past DIY so take it to someone who can read the car’s computers for any stored codes that will give you some clues. This car does a good job of storing codes when little things go wrong that someone has decided don’t warrant the owner’s attention. That may narrow the list between module, sensors and valve blocks. You might find a used ABC module on eBay to have “just in case” while they’re available, in case something happened to this one before you bought the car (water).
Unfortunately that’s all I’ve got. Maybe others can chime in.
GL
maw
Last edited by maw1124; Oct 13, 2021 at 11:34 PM.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 116
Likes: 51
Offshore Research Vessel, 2016 Camry, Telluride, 2005 S55 AMG
Thank you Maw for your wealth of knowledge! As far as I know I have the original struts. I was thinking a sensor of some sort had a glitch or is failing, but I'll drive it until it gives me a code of some sort to diagnose. I do not have a STAR program although that is on my Christmas list to give to the Wife lol. This has only happened one time before at a stop light, but I cannot recall which strut it was. Anyhow, thank you for chiming in Maw and for the Link for ABC.
Respectfully,
Chris
Respectfully,
Chris
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,264
Likes: 367
'06 MB S55 AMG; '04 Audi Allroad 4.2; '05 BMW M3 Conv.; '92 MB 500E
No worries Cap... you know the deal... hang around the barber shop long enough and you'll end up with a hair cut... I've owned this car just long enough...
maw
maw
