SL/R230: ABC2 pump/pulsating damper
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Junior Member
Joined: May 2024
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From: Hamilton Ca
2012 SL550
ABC2 pump/pulsating damper
Afternoon everybody.
As the pulsating damper is attached to the pump, anyone know whether they come as a complete unit when you buy a reman pump? I’m not sure whether my noise issue is the pump or the damper. However, I suspect that it’s the damper.
I’ve heard that removing the damper from an old pump is not a joyful experience so it would make sense to sell them as a complete unit.
As the pulsating damper is attached to the pump, anyone know whether they come as a complete unit when you buy a reman pump? I’m not sure whether my noise issue is the pump or the damper. However, I suspect that it’s the damper.
I’ve heard that removing the damper from an old pump is not a joyful experience so it would make sense to sell them as a complete unit.
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Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Los Angeles
2009 SL550 Roadster Diamond White, 2008 CLK550 Coupe Obsidian Black
Usually sold separately. What are your symptoms? My car had tell tale signs of bad damper and all they had to do was swap it out and fluid/filter refresh.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2024
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From: Hamilton Ca
2012 SL550
It’s a whine which starts after driving for about 50 miles. Took it in and made sure they test drove it with me and then put a stethoscope on it while still noisy. They say pump but easily could be the dampener since they are attached. I just bought this car from this MB dealer and that’s the only reason I’m letting them try and fix this. Was hoping the dampener and pump come together so I could be sure it’s fixed.
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Joined: May 2024
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From: Hamilton Ca
2012 SL550
Spoke to the dealer today. Pulsation dampener is being replaced as well in the original price quoted. Dealer recommending against flushing and replacing abc fluid. Says could cause more problems. Car has 58k on it and I can find no evidence that it’s ever been changed. He asked me if I wanted them to change the filter. That makes no sense to me if don’t change fluid. Comments?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,087
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From: Los Angeles
2009 SL550 Roadster Diamond White, 2008 CLK550 Coupe Obsidian Black
Sounds like the pump indeed. The pulsation dampener you would feel right away and it's more like rough vibrations that get worse with the RPMs going up. Glad they are changing both.
I mean I think that's because MBZ had this stupid policy of the fluid being "lifetime" like the transmission fluid, which has turned out to be completely false in both cases. Idk how if they change the pump they would use the same old fluid and filter. Doesn't make sense.
I mean I think that's because MBZ had this stupid policy of the fluid being "lifetime" like the transmission fluid, which has turned out to be completely false in both cases. Idk how if they change the pump they would use the same old fluid and filter. Doesn't make sense.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 16
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From: Hamilton Ca
2012 SL550
They say they are going to top it up. For now, I just want the car back. I have a really good Indy who looks after my Benz’s and Porsches. I’ll check with him when I get the car. I think his wife has an ABC car so he should know. Thanks for your help.
Sean
Sean
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Joined: Aug 2017
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From: Scottsdale AZ
2015 SL550 & 2012 S550 4matic
Have your Indy flush that old Pentosin (probably blackish not Green like fresh) and change the filter again. The Pentosin has a shelf life, just like most automotive fluids, your 12 year fluid is expired. I changed mine with 30k miles on the car and 12 year old fluid.
IMHO, these dealers believe MB "sealed for life" BS and in the case of ABC cars it can be expensive to believe it. I fail to understand how pumping dirty fluid around a precision hydraulic system is a good thing? MB guys want to fix cars and if dirty fluid burns out pumps or clogs accumulators, they sell more parts and service.
Thankfully this forum has members with knowledge and experience to educate us.
IMHO, these dealers believe MB "sealed for life" BS and in the case of ABC cars it can be expensive to believe it. I fail to understand how pumping dirty fluid around a precision hydraulic system is a good thing? MB guys want to fix cars and if dirty fluid burns out pumps or clogs accumulators, they sell more parts and service.
Thankfully this forum has members with knowledge and experience to educate us.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 16
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From: Hamilton Ca
2012 SL550
Still don’t have car back. They finally got the parts today. I’ll talk to my Indy but see absolutely no reason why I wouldn’t change the fluid and filter. This Mb dealer will never see this car again..
