SL/R129: HELP, 97 sl600 with ads front end dropped after control arm install
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
HELP, 97 sl600 with ads front end dropped after control arm install
Well, I had a popping ball joint so changed both control arms in the front. Install went great, or so I thought. Took it for a test drive around the block, when I got back the car had shot hydro fluid out the reservoir and the front end was slammed on the ground, about three inch drop. What the heck could I have done? Thanks for any insight!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
i think I fubared the front level sensor that attaches to the sway bar. I had the sway bar unbolted and it may have hung on the sensor a bit. I thought I was careful, but... Maybe the car thinks the front level is too high due to the sensor being off and it keeps trying to dump the front end?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
WOO HOOO!!!11!!1!
At the risk of sounding like a shizophrenic I'll reply to my own post once more to say problem solved. Took the front level controller off and peaked inside. Electronics looked good. Then it dawned on me that when I pulled the sway off and put it back on the level controller arm could have gone on 180 degrees off. It did. Reinstalled the way it should have been in the first place and got a big grin when I started the car and saw the front end rise. Figured while I was in there I would take a few clicks out of the linkage and drop the front end. Started the car again and the car lowered. So now I don't have that huge reverse rake of a non-sport SL anymore. Man these cars are great when they work.
At the risk of sounding like a shizophrenic I'll reply to my own post once more to say problem solved. Took the front level controller off and peaked inside. Electronics looked good. Then it dawned on me that when I pulled the sway off and put it back on the level controller arm could have gone on 180 degrees off. It did. Reinstalled the way it should have been in the first place and got a big grin when I started the car and saw the front end rise. Figured while I was in there I would take a few clicks out of the linkage and drop the front end. Started the car again and the car lowered. So now I don't have that huge reverse rake of a non-sport SL anymore. Man these cars are great when they work.
Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 196
Likes: 6
From: Byblos,Lebanon
SL 55 , Infinity FX37, Aprilia Caponord Rally
sorry nobody replied to you man...It's not that you're being ignored,but I think it's because of our own ignorance of the subject...Anyhow,glad that
you sorted your own problem and taught the rest of us how to do it..
you sorted your own problem and taught the rest of us how to do it..
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
No worries, I know not too many people wrench on a car that was under warranty up to a few years ago. I hate searching and just digging up post after post of someone posting a question, not getting replies, and not posting back about the fix, so I wanted to at least close the loop here. Add to the knowledge base and all. 
Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
From: Adelaide, Australia. Formerly Bristol, UK.
1998 SL 600 ///AMG. 1997 SL 320. 1999 SLK 230K. 2001 BMW R850.
Anyone got any idea why one side is approx 1" - 2" lower than the other? It drives OK but occaisionally I get the dash light on with the suspension indicator.
I can use the up and down function, that still works fine. The fluid level is slightly above max, but I haven't changed that. MB serviced it last April.
Any ideas?
I can use the up and down function, that still works fine. The fluid level is slightly above max, but I haven't changed that. MB serviced it last April.
Any ideas?
Trending Topics
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
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
AKA sphere, they are behind the drivers foot well area under the car on either side. They have a diaphragm in the middle with I think nitrogen gas on one side. The other side is attached to the shock through a valve module that changes the firmness. If the diaphragm breaks the gas escapes and I think that would result in a lower ride height on the side with the bad sphere. Springs would result in a lower ride on one side if one was sagging on most cars, but the springs on an ADS SL are suplemental at best. With just the springs supporting the car it would sit on the wheels almost. The shocks do almost all the suspension work.
Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
From: Adelaide, Australia. Formerly Bristol, UK.
1998 SL 600 ///AMG. 1997 SL 320. 1999 SLK 230K. 2001 BMW R850.
Just to close the loop again, problem solved.
Not the sphere, apparently if a sphere dies the rides looses suspension and becomes extremely hard. My problem was solved just by cleaning the ADS connector, that simple!?!
Not the sphere, apparently if a sphere dies the rides looses suspension and becomes extremely hard. My problem was solved just by cleaning the ADS connector, that simple!?!
Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 221
Likes: 1
From: L.A.
SL000
Originally Posted by Pigzmickey
Just to close the loop again, problem solved.
Not the sphere, apparently if a sphere dies the rides looses suspension and becomes extremely hard. My problem was solved just by cleaning the ADS connector, that simple!?!
Not the sphere, apparently if a sphere dies the rides looses suspension and becomes extremely hard. My problem was solved just by cleaning the ADS connector, that simple!?!
