S55 AMG, S65 AMG , S63 AMG (W220, W221) 2001 - 2013 (Two Generations)

Rear ABC Line left the chat

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Sep 16, 2024 | 06:15 PM
  #1  
CaptainR's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 116
Likes: 51
Offshore Research Vessel, 2016 Camry, Telluride, 2005 S55 AMG
Rear ABC Line left the chat

It has been quite some time since being on the forum, and have missed being here. Life gets in the way sometimes... Kids, sold house, moved, constantly at sea etc.

I have owned my 05 s55 for over 3 years (going on 4 now I believe) and have not even broke the 60k mile mark. The car is always in the garage and is very seldom driven, which in lies part of the problem. She is not driven enough! I came back from sea and decided to take the car out. Upon starting and raising the car, my rear ABC line from the valve block to the drivers rear strut blew (marked with yellow). Thankfully in the garage! Fluid everywhere, but shut the car off well before pump ran dry.

My question's are... What is the easiest way to remove the line as it goes above the rear subframe? I have read some have snaked the line out and others have dropped the rear subframe. Why did the engineers decide to take the line from the drivers side and run it over to the passenger side, just to go into the drivers rear strut? I am sure there is some reason, but why not have a line straight to the rear strut? What would be the harm in having a custom made line go directly to the strut......

Chris
Reply
Old Sep 16, 2024 | 07:49 PM
  #2  
maw1124's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,264
Likes: 367
'06 MB S55 AMG; '04 Audi Allroad 4.2; '05 BMW M3 Conv.; '92 MB 500E
@johnlane… calling johnlane…

maw
Reply
Old Sep 17, 2024 | 09:03 AM
  #3  
Baltistyle's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
5 Year Member
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 2,305
Likes: 1,209
From: Baltimore County, MD
'13 s212 63 p30. '06 LX470
Originally Posted by CaptainR
It has been quite some time since being on the forum, and have missed being here. Life gets in the way sometimes... Kids, sold house, moved, constantly at sea etc.

I have owned my 05 s55 for over 3 years (going on 4 now I believe) and have not even broke the 60k mile mark. The car is always in the garage and is very seldom driven, which in lies part of the problem. She is not driven enough! I came back from sea and decided to take the car out. Upon starting and raising the car, my rear ABC line from the valve block to the drivers rear strut blew (marked with yellow). Thankfully in the garage! Fluid everywhere, but shut the car off well before pump ran dry.

My question's are... What is the easiest way to remove the line as it goes above the rear subframe? I have read some have snaked the line out and others have dropped the rear subframe. Why did the engineers decide to take the line from the drivers side and run it over to the passenger side, just to go into the drivers rear strut? I am sure there is some reason, but why not have a line straight to the rear strut? What would be the harm in having a custom made line go directly to the strut......

Chris
It seems plenty of people have done custom lines. As long as the pressure is there, I can not imagine a different routing matters. Ive seen this done with hydraulics, and ac lines that snake through rear subframes. The hard part on abc retrofit has been the fittings and having to reuse old connectors. When I recently replaced my front shocks on my S 55, they were the Chinese special, and I actually came with extra hoses for the shock. I would have to imagine that the fittings for the feed lines are available overseas as well though I’ve not personally had to do that research yet.
Reply
Old Sep 17, 2024 | 09:38 AM
  #4  
CaptainR's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 116
Likes: 51
Offshore Research Vessel, 2016 Camry, Telluride, 2005 S55 AMG
I appreciate the response Baltistyle. I have a hydraulic shop close to me and will most likely have a custom line done as well as see if they can repair the original line. I will see what they can do.

Many Thanks,

Chris
Reply
Old Sep 17, 2024 | 10:01 AM
  #5  
maw1124's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,264
Likes: 367
'06 MB S55 AMG; '04 Audi Allroad 4.2; '05 BMW M3 Conv.; '92 MB 500E
I'd probably run it the same way... I can't remember off hand how the rear lines interact with the return accumulator, which is why I was calling JohnLane.

maw
Reply
Old Sep 17, 2024 | 10:17 AM
  #6  
CaptainR's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 116
Likes: 51
Offshore Research Vessel, 2016 Camry, Telluride, 2005 S55 AMG
I appreciate the input Maw. I will most likely go the standard route in replacement as I want to keep the system original. Just was not sure if having the lines ran different (more direct) would make life easier in the long run. No rush on my end as I'm heading back to sea for a short period.

Chris
Reply
Old Sep 17, 2024 | 10:44 AM
  #7  
maw1124's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,264
Likes: 367
'06 MB S55 AMG; '04 Audi Allroad 4.2; '05 BMW M3 Conv.; '92 MB 500E
I understand Cap'n... if a new route bypassed some damper I would expect trouble... vibration or worse... but I haven't looked at a schematic.

God's speed at sea.

maw
Reply
Old Sep 17, 2024 | 02:01 PM
  #8  
Baltistyle's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
5 Year Member
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 2,305
Likes: 1,209
From: Baltimore County, MD
'13 s212 63 p30. '06 LX470
Seems like most people do a repair if the fittings are OK. You can replace the O-rings for the fittings while you are in there.

Last edited by Baltistyle; Sep 17, 2024 at 02:04 PM.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Sep 17, 2024 | 05:52 PM
  #9  
CaptainR's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 116
Likes: 51
Offshore Research Vessel, 2016 Camry, Telluride, 2005 S55 AMG
Once again, I appreciate your wisdom Maw. Thank you kindly.

Chris
Reply
Old Sep 17, 2024 | 05:55 PM
  #10  
CaptainR's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 116
Likes: 51
Offshore Research Vessel, 2016 Camry, Telluride, 2005 S55 AMG
That is also in my plan to do. I figured if I'm under the car I will go ahead and replace o-rings as well. I believe there are better o-ring options (kits) out there with better materials used. (Green comes to mind)..... thanks for the info good sir!

Chris
Reply
Old Sep 17, 2024 | 08:44 PM
  #11  
PHILLYCLSJOE's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 320
Likes: 185
From: Philadelphia
2002 CLK55 AMG: 2004 S55 AMG: 2009 C63
Sorry to hear Cap. I suppose i got pretty damn lucky with the line i blew last December, as it was a straight shot under some driver side body panel plastics from the front to the rear valve block.

Ironically, i know exactly what line you're referring too, as a junkie constantly surfing the net for stuff to watch regarding all things ABC & AMG, i found a video of a guy who had to replace that same line. He too was befuddled as to why they would run it from driver to pass. back to driver side.

I'll ink the video below as maybe it could be of some help, however i do think he went the custom Hydro-shop repair to make the reinstall a bit easier.

All the best

- Joe

Reply
Old Sep 17, 2024 | 11:13 PM
  #12  
S_Holford's Avatar
Senior Member
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 269
Likes: 93
From: Las Vegas, NV
2003 S55 AMG, 2005 C320 Coupe, 2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave
Originally Posted by PHILLYCLSJOE
Sorry to hear Cap. I suppose i got pretty damn lucky with the line i blew last December, as it was a straight shot under some driver side body panel plastics from the front to the rear valve block.

Ironically, i know exactly what line you're referring too, as a junkie constantly surfing the net for stuff to watch regarding all things ABC & AMG, i found a video of a guy who had to replace that same line. He too was befuddled as to why they would run it from driver to pass. back to driver side.

I'll ink the video below as maybe it could be of some help, however i do think he went the custom Hydro-shop repair to make the reinstall a bit easier.

All the best

- Joe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4meBTAo1Ewk&t=400s
AT 29:25, "This is what happens when you give a redneck a car like this".
Proceeds to talk about how good the car sounds without exhaust, suggests straight pipes to his buddy....immediately does burnout upon pulling out of the parking lot! I swear that was a flashback of my uncles 40 years ago!

I commend that man's motivation to lay on the ground and Sawzall that line off. Looks like it initially worked, I wonder if it held up. One thing I'd be concerned about is routing and keeping it from chaffing the hose on anything.

Last edited by S_Holford; Sep 17, 2024 at 11:16 PM.
Reply
Old Sep 17, 2024 | 11:17 PM
  #13  
JohnLane's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Loved
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,626
Likes: 1,216
From: Phoenix
222 S-65
OP have a hydraulic shop or any outfit that deals in heavy equipment make it up for you using the fittings in the current hose.

Why would MB make up a hose that ends up being such a PITA? Haven’t we got beyond asking questions there is no logical answer to?

Were I to take a stab as to why MB did that hose like that.... Sure seems it had to be due to ease of handling it on the assembly line.

If you are able to shorten the hose such that it is less a PITA to reinstall but the hose won’t ever end up interfering with suspension at full squat or droop... get involved with exhaust... ect... . by all means... go for it.

Q for OP.... age of nitrogen bombs around the car? Be sure they are fresh. Takes very little hydraulic hammering to blow up hoses or worse.

She will I’ll need a rodeo after installing that hose and bleeding it.

My 221 S65 and the 222 cars have never had an ABC failure aside from the small nitrogen bomb that dampens the pump.

Last edited by JohnLane; Sep 17, 2024 at 11:36 PM.
Reply
Old Sep 18, 2024 | 01:08 AM
  #14  
MB2timer's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Veteran: Army
Veteran: Navy
Community Influencer
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 2,516
Likes: 900
From: DFW
SL63
A lot of engineering, and some economics go into the brake system, like any other system. Like intake and exhaust headers, the distance each run of the manifold takes, or in this case brake fluid, needs to be precise to get the best and or even performance. To get all 4 brakes to apply simultaneously, and proportionally through ABS or some other anti lock system, the engineering specs need to be adhered to.
Reply
Old Sep 18, 2024 | 10:03 AM
  #15  
wfooshee's Avatar
Member
5 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 146
Likes: 61
From: Panama City, FL
2007 Jaguar XJ8L, 1999 Miata, 2003 Yamaha FJR1300
Originally Posted by MB2timer
A lot of engineering, and some economics go into the brake system, like any other system. Like intake and exhaust headers, the distance each run of the manifold takes, or in this case brake fluid, needs to be precise to get the best and or even performance. To get all 4 brakes to apply simultaneously, and proportionally through ABS or some other anti lock system, the engineering specs need to be adhered to.
Are you in the wrong thread? Who was talking about brakes?! If you're referring to the discussion about possibly rerouting that ABC line, then maybe you should have actually mentioned it instead of appearing to be presenting completely unrelated information.

To the OP. Absolutely replace the accumulators if they've never been done. If those are not soaking up pressure spikes, which is what they're in there to do, then the only other place to soak up pressure spikes is your lines, and they just can't. There is no external indication that an accumulator is bad, you just have to replace them every so often. One big one at each end of the car, and the two little ones; in this diagram, 4, 14, 52a, and 53. Also, except for physical damage like being cut or crimped in an accident, there is no other cause for lines to blow. It's bad accumulators. Period.

Last edited by wfooshee; Sep 18, 2024 at 10:05 AM.
Reply
Old Sep 18, 2024 | 08:03 PM
  #16  
maw1124's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,264
Likes: 367
'06 MB S55 AMG; '04 Audi Allroad 4.2; '05 BMW M3 Conv.; '92 MB 500E
Originally Posted by wfooshee
All good advice. Just don't pay much attention to the picture. That's a CL, not an S. I only know because item 4 (Rear Axle Accumulator) is in the wrong spot.

I was looking for the line that goes across from Driver to Passenger, and back to Driver side, and I don't see one. I actually don't think there is one, I just don't remember from the last time I was under the car while the rear return accumulator was being replaced.

maw
Reply
Old Sep 18, 2024 | 08:59 PM
  #17  
MB2timer's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Veteran: Army
Veteran: Navy
Community Influencer
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 2,516
Likes: 900
From: DFW
SL63
Originally Posted by wfooshee
Are you in the wrong thread? Who was talking about brakes?! If you're referring to the discussion about possibly rerouting that ABC line, then maybe you should have actually mentioned it instead of appearing to be presenting completely unrelated information.
You are right. My mistake. My Apologies.
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2024 | 07:29 PM
  #18  
CaptainR's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 116
Likes: 51
Offshore Research Vessel, 2016 Camry, Telluride, 2005 S55 AMG
Thanks for the info Joe! I appreciate it and thanks for the You tube link. I had completely forgot Project Shop FL did the same repair on his!

Chris
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2024 | 07:38 PM
  #19  
CaptainR's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 116
Likes: 51
Offshore Research Vessel, 2016 Camry, Telluride, 2005 S55 AMG
Thanks for the Info JohnLane! I have a hydraulics shop close to me and have picked their brain on it. They said to bring the line in, which of course I was going to anyway...Just have not had the time due to work.
As to answer your questions about the Accumulators. I replaced them all, including the dampener and a filter fluid change at around 57k maybe 3 years ago. I'm only at 60k miles now. Those are fairly easy to change, so if I have to due to her sitting I will.

Thanks again!
Chris
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2024 | 07:53 PM
  #20  
CaptainR's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 116
Likes: 51
Offshore Research Vessel, 2016 Camry, Telluride, 2005 S55 AMG
Thank you wfooshee!

The accumulators, dampener, filter and fluid has all been changed. 3 years ago for the accumulators and dampener, fluid was changed yearly and filter twice a year. The line had a small split in it length wise, maybe half inch long. I will be removing the line in a week or two. No time now and I do not trust dealers to do the work and put all the brackets back in their place. So, the old girl is on my schedule.

Thanks again,

Chris
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:21 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE