SL/R230: SL500 suspension leak?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
2002 SL500
SL500 suspension leak?
Hi All!
My 04`seems to go low on the front left side when parked for some days (3-4) measured today, and it was approx 40mm lower on the left side then the right. No visible leaks of any kind.
Any suggestions to where I should start looking?
Cheers
Jørgen
Norway
My 04`seems to go low on the front left side when parked for some days (3-4) measured today, and it was approx 40mm lower on the left side then the right. No visible leaks of any kind.
Any suggestions to where I should start looking?
Cheers
Jørgen
Norway
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 992
Likes: 245
From: Tucson, AZ
'20 X5 M50i; '17 Ram 3500; Golf Cart; Bikes; Scooters
Many threads on this issue, so I'll be brief. Please state your mileage for reference.
Check your ABC fluid and if dark (not bright green) replace it.
Get a new 3 micron filter to place in the reservior.
Drive for a couple weeks and operate the suspension up and down to circulate the fluid and clean it through the filter.
If still sagging, you likely need to rebuild the front ABC valve block.
Check your ABC fluid and if dark (not bright green) replace it.
Get a new 3 micron filter to place in the reservior.
Drive for a couple weeks and operate the suspension up and down to circulate the fluid and clean it through the filter.
If still sagging, you likely need to rebuild the front ABC valve block.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,982
Likes: 393
From: Atlanta, unfortunately
'09 S600, (2) R129 300SLs, '03 SL500, '03 SL55
Most likely a bit of debris has accumulated on the valve seat of the "locking" valve for the left-front strut. Mercedes suggest filtering the fluid by running two 15-minute "Rodeo" routines using a Star Diagnosis computer. In my experience this helps a little. Better still is to flush the old hydraulic oil and replace it with new. Doing nothing is also an option.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
2002 SL500
Many threads on this issue, so I'll be brief. Please state your mileage for reference.
Check your ABC fluid and if dark (not bright green) replace it.
Get a new 3 micron filter to place in the reservior.
Drive for a couple weeks and operate the suspension up and down to circulate the fluid and clean it through the filter.
If still sagging, you likely need to rebuild the front ABC valve block.
Check your ABC fluid and if dark (not bright green) replace it.
Get a new 3 micron filter to place in the reservior.
Drive for a couple weeks and operate the suspension up and down to circulate the fluid and clean it through the filter.
If still sagging, you likely need to rebuild the front ABC valve block.
Hi, thanks for the reply. Will start checking as you suggested-Is it a 3 micron filter what i will get if I order from MB?
Ps, it has 81`k miles.
Jørgen
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
2002 SL500
M-B has stated that it is normal for the suspension to sag in this manner if the car has been idle for an extended period, though 3 or 4 days is a bit soon.
Most likely a bit of debris has accumulated on the valve seat of the "locking" valve for the left-front strut. Mercedes suggest filtering the fluid by running two 15-minute "Rodeo" routines using a Star Diagnosis computer. In my experience this helps a little. Better still is to flush the old hydraulic oil and replace it with new. Doing nothing is also an option.
Most likely a bit of debris has accumulated on the valve seat of the "locking" valve for the left-front strut. Mercedes suggest filtering the fluid by running two 15-minute "Rodeo" routines using a Star Diagnosis computer. In my experience this helps a little. Better still is to flush the old hydraulic oil and replace it with new. Doing nothing is also an option.
Jørgen
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 992
Likes: 245
From: Tucson, AZ
'20 X5 M50i; '17 Ram 3500; Golf Cart; Bikes; Scooters
Jorgens,
With 81K miles you are probably looking at dirty fluid and in need of a flush and filter.
3 micron Filter part number is 003 184 61 01 and I believe the old 10 micron filters are no longer being sold at a dealer.
Keep us posted on the outcome.
With 81K miles you are probably looking at dirty fluid and in need of a flush and filter.
3 micron Filter part number is 003 184 61 01 and I believe the old 10 micron filters are no longer being sold at a dealer.
Keep us posted on the outcome.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 355
Likes: 41
From: amarillo texas
2003 sl 500
sagging side
I had this too on my '03. Just a nuisance. I flushed it twice and used to new filters in 3000 miles. Took 9 more months of driving and it was finally much improved, originally went slowly down an inch and 3/4 in a week but got much better after messing with it. Still can be down 1/2 inch overnight on one side if weather is very hot (95 F) and I've driven it a bunch on that day. Cooler weather no sag at all lately. Doesn't keep it from driving. Runs just fine. I know how it can bug a person though, bugged me plenty for a long while! Have a good one in Noway.
moretech
moretech
