SL/R230: ABC Issue? Puddle on garage floor
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Newbie
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 2
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2011 SL550
ABC Issue? Puddle on garage floor
Purchased a 2011 SL550 one week ago with only 16,000 miles - and today found a fairly good sized puddle of the light green hydraulic fluid behind the front passenger side tire. No signs of any leaks during my prepurchase inspection or during the past few days of local driving. However, after making a 100 mile round trip yesterday, the fluid mysteriously appeared. I cannot see any leaks from the engine compartment or in the wheel well. The fluid looks to be originating somewhere between the wheel well and the firewall, and then running down and pooling below whatever opening it finds in the panels under the car. In fact the largest amount seems to drip from the front crease of what I would call the rocker panel. Can anyone tell me what components of the ABC system are located in that area that may have failed? Car sits level and no warning lights - yet!! Thank you in advance for any assistance you can offer.
Purchased a 2011 SL550 one week ago with only 16,000 miles - and today found a fairly good sized puddle of the light green hydraulic fluid behind the front passenger side tire. No signs of any leaks during my prepurchase inspection or during the past few days of local driving. However, after making a 100 mile round trip yesterday, the fluid mysteriously appeared. I cannot see any leaks from the engine compartment or in the wheel well. The fluid looks to be originating somewhere between the wheel well and the firewall, and then running down and pooling below whatever opening it finds in the panels under the car. In fact the largest amount seems to drip from the front crease of what I would call the rocker panel. Can anyone tell me what components of the ABC system are located in that area that may have failed? Car sits level and no warning lights - yet!! Thank you in advance for any assistance you can offer.
Member
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 102
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2009 SL550
I had one instance of the front right strut leaking. The fluid came out from the strut rubber boot making the puddle under the tire well. Try to inspect the strut from the bottom. You could also look at the lines that go to the strut including the quick connect fitting.
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,982
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From: Atlanta, unfortunately
'09 S600, (2) R129 300SLs, '03 SL500, '03 SL55
If you jack the car and remove the road wheel, the inner fender liners can be quickly and easily removed to facilitate inspection for leaks. There are a handful of 10 mm plastic nuts to remove, a philiips-head screw or two, and possibly some 8 mm screws.
