SL-Class (R230) 2003 -- 2012: Discussion on the SL500, SL550, SL600

SL/R230: ABC 2 front valve block leaks externally from front side

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Old Jan 24, 2021 | 06:48 PM
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2009 SL550
ABC 2 front valve block leaks externally from front side

Hello everyone!

On my 07SL, front ABC valve block leaks from 17mm plug ( bolt or plunger) that is on the front side of the block. I noticed a piece of damaged O ring that comes out of the block’s opening. Attached is the screenshot of the valve block for the reference, I circled in red the place of leakage. Does anyone know what is the purpose of that 17mm plug or bolt? I know that ABC 1 blocks are rebuildable but not ABC 2. I want to pull it out to see what kind of O rings are there but wanted to consult with you first. Thank you, Vadim



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Old Jan 24, 2021 | 08:06 PM
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2009 SL550
Originally Posted by Plutoe
Your doing things *** backwards,look in EPC define the part then change the part
Plutoe, this picture is a screenshot of eBay used item for reference only. My block is on the car and it’s drivable, just leaks a bit. EPC shows block as one item and does not list any parts on it. So far I am doing as much research as possible - not “*** backwards “ 😃😃😃😃, but thank you for your reply!!!
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Old Jan 24, 2021 | 10:13 PM
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What on earth is that device in the photo?!

theres nothing installed anywhere on an r230 to the best of my knowledge that looks anything like that.
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Old Jan 24, 2021 | 10:25 PM
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2009 SL550
Originally Posted by sivikvtec
What on earth is that device in the photo?!

theres nothing installed anywhere on an r230 to the best of my knowledge that looks anything like that.
this is ABC (2 generation) front valve block that is installed on any 07-12 R230s. The front valve block on 03-06 R230s (ABC 1 generation) looks a bit different and is rebuildable.
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Old Jan 24, 2021 | 11:03 PM
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2005 SL65 AMG
Originally Posted by vkovaler888
this is ABC (2 generation) front valve block that is installed on any 07-12 R230s. The front valve block on 03-06 R230s (ABC 1 generation) looks a bit different and is rebuildable.
first and second generation ABC valve blocks are interchangeable and almost identical. I should know, I personally installed a second generation ABC valve block for the front struts on my 2005 model.

Is the thing in your photo mounted in front of the front wheel or behind it?
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Old Jan 25, 2021 | 11:27 AM
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2005 SL65 AMG
Yep, I stand corrected. I thought all valve blocks with non-serviceable valves were second generation ABC. I incorrectly thought this style valve block was second generation ABC. Sorry for the thread jack....



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Old Jan 25, 2021 | 11:51 PM
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2009 SL550
Originally Posted by sivikvtec
first and second generation ABC valve blocks are interchangeable and almost identical. I should know, I personally installed a second generation ABC valve block for the front struts on my 2005 model.

Is the thing in your photo mounted in front of the front wheel or behind it?
yes, mine is on the left front side and it looks exactly like the one in picture. ABC blocks of 1 and 2 generations are not interchangeable, even the line connections are of different design, unfortunately
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Old Jan 26, 2021 | 01:55 PM
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this company repairs them, conclusion, they can be repaired

https://www.ebay.com/itm/ABC-Ventilb...AAAOSwtYJbqOFs
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Old Jan 18, 2023 | 10:02 AM
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From: Aiken, SC
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Originally Posted by vkovaler888
Hello everyone!

On my 07SL, front ABC valve block leaks from 17mm plug ( bolt or plunger) that is on the front side of the block. I noticed a piece of damaged O ring that comes out of the block’s opening. Attached is the screenshot of the valve block for the reference, I circled in red the place of leakage. Does anyone know what is the purpose of that 17mm plug or bolt? I know that ABC 1 blocks are rebuildable but not ABC 2. I want to pull it out to see what kind of O rings are there but wanted to consult with you first. Thank you, Vadim


Vadim,

I know this is an old post but did you ever fix it? I had the same leak on my 2008 SL65 front block and just pulled it out, matched up the o-ring and replaced it. But my car is now starting to sag after sitting for very long time at driver's front so I suspect the valve block needs to be rebuilt or replaced. Have you found any options for rebuild of the gen 2 valve blocks?
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Old Jan 18, 2023 | 11:30 AM
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2009 SL550
Originally Posted by Zachmac
Vadim,

I know this is an old post but did you ever fix it? I had the same leak on my 2008 SL65 front block and just pulled it out, matched up the o-ring and replaced it. But my car is now starting to sag after sitting for very long time at driver's front so I suspect the valve block needs to be rebuilt or replaced. Have you found any options for rebuild of the gen 2 valve blocks?
Hello Zachmac, I got a used valve block off another SL with 40k miles but ended up selling my car with leaking block and not fixing it. I still have that replacement block sitting on my shelf.
DM me if you need more information.
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