SL/R230: Play in ABC pump
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
2007 SL550
Play in ABC pump
Greetings all,
I'm a DIY wrench-turner hailing from Hawaii, thrilled to be part of this knowledgeable community. Recently, I got my hands on a 2007 SL550 having some trouble with its ABC system.
I've pinpointed some leaks from the high-pressure lines that I'm in the process of fixing. However, I've also detected a whining sound and some vibration emanating from the pump region. After conducting a series of tests, my diagnosis is pointing towards the pulsation damper on the pump. The unsettling vibration tends to kick in when the pressure approaches 200 bars, particularly at lower RPMs.
Upon removing the belt, I observed some unwelcome play in the ABC pump pulley. Accompanying this is a rather harsh clanking sound (refer to the attached video). Is this typical behavior or should I be concerned? I'm torn between replacing the entire pump or just address the immediate issue. I should also mention there was some dampness beneath the pump. No active oil leakage onto other components like the AC, but it's certainly not dry. I did a rodeo test for a while and the pump was able to maintain the pressure.
In the midst of my troubleshooting, I noted that the AC compressor is contributing its share of noise as well (please see the second video). Is this a red flag?
Eager to hear your expert thoughts and advice. Thanks in advance for any guidance you can provide!
I'm a DIY wrench-turner hailing from Hawaii, thrilled to be part of this knowledgeable community. Recently, I got my hands on a 2007 SL550 having some trouble with its ABC system.
I've pinpointed some leaks from the high-pressure lines that I'm in the process of fixing. However, I've also detected a whining sound and some vibration emanating from the pump region. After conducting a series of tests, my diagnosis is pointing towards the pulsation damper on the pump. The unsettling vibration tends to kick in when the pressure approaches 200 bars, particularly at lower RPMs.
Upon removing the belt, I observed some unwelcome play in the ABC pump pulley. Accompanying this is a rather harsh clanking sound (refer to the attached video). Is this typical behavior or should I be concerned? I'm torn between replacing the entire pump or just address the immediate issue. I should also mention there was some dampness beneath the pump. No active oil leakage onto other components like the AC, but it's certainly not dry. I did a rodeo test for a while and the pump was able to maintain the pressure.
In the midst of my troubleshooting, I noted that the AC compressor is contributing its share of noise as well (please see the second video). Is this a red flag?
Eager to hear your expert thoughts and advice. Thanks in advance for any guidance you can provide!
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 746
Likes: 185
From: Melbourne, Australia
2005 SL 500 R230
Whining and vibration are classic signs of a failed pulsation dampener. You have the second generation ABC system - ABC2. Is the pulsation dampener available separately from the pump?
The pumps can be a bit noisy and down on pressure and work fine. Usually when they leak it's time to change them.
However it's really a maintenance item on an R230. Best to change it. It will probably start to leak soon. My old pump was noisy and leaky but definitely did not have that play back and forth.
I got my new pump here at https://abcteile24.de/en/
I highly recommend their work and personally would bypass all the low-cost rebuilders out there.
The pumps can be a bit noisy and down on pressure and work fine. Usually when they leak it's time to change them.
However it's really a maintenance item on an R230. Best to change it. It will probably start to leak soon. My old pump was noisy and leaky but definitely did not have that play back and forth.
I got my new pump here at https://abcteile24.de/en/
I highly recommend their work and personally would bypass all the low-cost rebuilders out there.
Last edited by Tom Manning; May 28, 2023 at 11:00 PM.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
2007 SL550
Thanks folks! Yeah, I have found the OEM pulsation damper for the pump. I am just wondering if the play and clanking noise (refer to first video in the first comment) is normal. I know that I have to move the pump in order to be able to remove the damper and it’s somewhat of a task. If the pump is bad, I would like to replace it while I am there.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 746
Likes: 185
From: Melbourne, Australia
2005 SL 500 R230
Probably penny-wise and pound-foolish not to replace it while you're down there. They wear out, simple as that, and it's not an easy job to replace it.
As mentioned, the old one I took off my car did not have that play in the shaft.
As mentioned, the old one I took off my car did not have that play in the shaft.
