BrianA.

a few months ago I had a leak in a suspension hydraulic line and my mechanic replaced the line and recharged/filled the system. A few day ago, I heard a sound under the hood like a pump not having fluid. Also, when I start the engine and the car raises up as the shocks are being charged, I hear and feel a clunk at either the right front of left rear of the car.
Could it be the suspension hydraulic pump dying? Why the clunking sound and shake?

Thanks,
Brian A.

White Spyder

Could be front valve block needs a rebuild. Sounds like the pressure is not holding. Of course, a diagnostics reading would help.

mbellack

I know your post was some time ago but did you ever resolve the issue? I have the same exact scenario you described in your post.

thanks

BrianA.

It was the Front and rear ABC suspension pressure reservoirs/accumulators leaking out nitrogen charge. I had to replace them and bleed the system. I also replaced the rear transmission mount. All that cost $1,400.
I did't want to try and do it myself so I had Silver Arrows Motors in Las Vegas do the work. They are an independent shop that specializes in Mercedes.
They have done good work on a couple of jobs, and I trust them. I don't trust the dealer here, and the price would have been at least triple there.

Brian A.

mbellack

thank you for your quick response. I have an independent dealer hear NY and will advise him on how you resolved the issue. I am a new SL550 owner. Is It normal when you start the engine for the car to raise up (as you detailed in the post " as the shocks are being charged"

BrianA.

Since I had it fixed, it doesn't raise up anymore. I think that was part of the symptoms.
Good luck, I really love my care and it's a daily driver. Well, except for now. If you are like me and can't go anywhere, make sure you charge the trunk battery at least once a week or put it on a trickle charger, it will go dead

Brian A.

mbellack

ok, and thanks again for the advice

Dudeman

If your consumer (trunk) battery goes dead in a week, you have a bad battery. Yesterday I took my SL550 for a ride for the first time since March 23, and I had no problems with the car starting or the consumer battery. All the electronics in the car powered up just like they're supposed to. The only difference, if there was one, was that usually the doors unlock with a mere touch of the door handle (Keyless-Go), but this time I had to press on the release button a couple of time before it woke up.

My point is that if you have a healthy battery, you don't need a trickle charger unless you plan to store it for months at a time, and even then, you don't need it, just unplug the battery. No damage will be done to the car other than you'll probably need to reset your radio settings/presets, and maybe the steering angle.