Mercedes Benz SL500 Active Body Control Repair - Hydraulic Fluid Leaks Fix

[@ianmihalic726]

I was going to do the same job you just did on my sl65. Stupid design but there is a way around it. Get a 10mm od compression fitting and cut the line where it goes straight. Now buy a new line and splice it in. Take you about an hour and get a good compression fitting and it will be good for 11,000 psi almost 4 times the strength of what you need. That fitting will never go bad and when the line pops again just take out the bad side and pop a new one in.

[@alinovasseko5034]

Hey boss man thanks you for the video but I’m having the same issue with my car here how can I get it done

[@Krankenwagen2010]

How people can disliked this video ? Dude thank you soo much on taking the time to post the video with the part number of this particular problematic pressure hose. I called the dealer and the guy was going crazy trying to quote me this particular hose since there’s so many damn hoses and you post the part number of what I need and for that I give you all of my respect:-) you are a life saver thank you for the great info and now I can provide a proper estimate for my client.

[@pietrogama3441]

while appreciating the effort, the way the problem was approached is still arguable. The ABC system, as engineered by MB, has critical culprits and maintenance issues. Disassembling half car to change a steel hose with a short flexi segment, that it can be sectioned and segmented with secure high pressure couplings, is a matter of technical confidence, trade choice and customer willing to spend 3,000USD or 300USD. If it were my car, I would have preferred to run the risk of an additional pressure line coupling rather than butch the car that way, involving additional risks during the disassembling/assembling process. Again, this is a personal choice and job risk assessment.

[@veritasvincit4178]

the People sitting on one they cant get rid of and used car dealers!LOL

[@codymurphy4775]

I was actually able to replace the same line in this video in about 8hrs. It is still a very big job but all that needs to be removed is driver side engine mount and exhaust manifold

[@Rafymon98]

Guys are scared of these machines because of the unknown. Naturally to have these machines repaired by a dealer is very expensive. I have a 2005 Mercedes AMG CL55 and I love it. I personally went over the ABC system and in reality it is not as complicated as it sounds. I work on my cars, there no area of this car that I can't fix/repair. Naturally you can't work on it with a bend screw drive and rusty pliers (Just joking) but you will need tools and knowledge and the wiliness to learn. That it costs money, yes it will. But with proper maintenance the system can be very reliable. Its when people want to fix these cars "A la Cheap" and skip maintenance that problems will surface and show its ugly face. It was good for my because I could buy a fantastic piece of German engineering, and I enjoy every minute of my CL's ownership. I will keep this car a very long time.

[@PearsonParty]

Your car is a completely different model, does it have the same ABC design. Seems like the ABC design no matter what model is a problem. The data is overwhelming! Previously owned a '76 500 SL for (89-98) 9 years that I loved but the recurring problems were the issue, same costly repair every few years all due to the design. Some problems won't be able to be remedied. Would you concur?

[@jgonzalesm6]

I've got a 2009 SL550 with AMG package. Car has 16,500 miles. I bought a Foxwell NT510 Elite (Mercedes Benz) new from ebay for $125-->it does the rodeo test. Got 20ltrs of Pentosin CHF-11S and 2 reservoir filters from Amazon. Going to flush and replace the old fluid with new fluid (rodeo test) and change the old reservoir filter with a new one.

[@megadudecool]

Actuslly. The metal part of the line is very rare to be damaged. The rubber part can be cut and take to be a hydraulic shop to be fitted with couplers and adapters. You wont have to take off anything. Just cut the metal clamps that attaches the rubber segment to the metal lines. Go to a hydraulic shop and tell them you need 10mm high pressure fittings rated for 4k PSI with couplers. Take the line with the newly installed bits and reattach the segment. Done

[@evelynmahoney3569]

Me too. '05 CL500 in California. Bought it used. Occasional white "ABC Visit Workshop Soon" eventually became red "Car too Low, Put in Park" (something like that). Thought the pump failed, but flush & filter change -works like never before. Now just have to pinpoint leak (front left) & "Lady MacGyver" an affordable DIY fix.

[@sputnik8407]

Hi thank you , but what do you think about the model before 99 or 2002 ? Also the old what do do you think about the older r107 I think ?? If you had to choose one year what would it be?

[@philbadelphia]

Did you consider repairing the section that was leaking? what was the hours required for the repair?

[@MercedesBenzTechs]

You can’t rig it when you have a shop, the customer will come back in three months when it leaks again and expect you to fix it for free, if you are a shade tree mechanic you might be able to make a hose repair, I can’t.

[@megadudecool]

@@MercedesBenzTechs if its just the rubber segment of the line then a good hydraulic shop will set you up with new segment that can handle up to 4k psi with new adapters and couplers on each end. Theres no reason they should be back unless something else gives

[@datazndood]

Probably a silly question but will the abc engage and function without the car running? I just bought a salvage saggging 02 CL55, has lit up dash. I have a scan tool coming but curious. I charged the battery completely and figured it would get the pump/compressor going. Nothing, not a peep except for the cooling “jet” fan. Anxious to get this beauty back in it’s normal state, this is my first air suspension vehicle.

[@MercedesBenzTechs]

No, it works on a pump

[@richardduong4898]

Have you ever replaced the RR? Who would I go about putting it back in? I’m having trouble trying to get it back in.

[@veritasvincit4178]

Thank you !!! This is a great warning for those thinking about how sweet that test drive was ,,,,,, I drove one and it has no problems and i was going to by it till i talked to a MB mech who agrees with you. Don't BUY IT, it will fail over and over. 2k for one shock. 4 new shocks and labor and you spent more than you paid for the car ??? so i still wanted it....thought coil over swap with a electronic gadget to fool the computer, but you wont have any sway control because active corner leveling is what this amazing system does until til it doesn't. so i guess its for those wanting to spend a 100k and drive for a few years and sell. The only people who dislike this video are used car dealers and and an individual who is stuck with one and wished they would have seen it before they purchased. Air suspension is Good /Hydraulic suspension Bad

[@vincephan344]

Thanks for the vid brother, i just picked up an SL600, i also have leaking high pressure hose but it's a very small leak, however i have a big leak on the two hoses that runs under the radiator, tracing it, it goes from strut to strut. Are these easy to change? Anything special that i need to do like drain all the hydraulic fluid? heard once you drain the fluid the pump doesn't self prime and you have to manually get it to prime so it doesn't run dry. Where are you guys located? Would love to pay you guys to work on my car, as you seem to know what you're doing.

[@rogernorman2621]

I have a suspension oil leak on my sl500 2003 model. It is mainly around the middle just behind the front wheels. Have you any ideas what is most likely leak cause? I will be taking off the floor pan once I have the time

[@MercedesBenzTechs]

If it’s closer to driver front wheel it can be from the valve block behind the wheel, move the fender liner and fill the reservoir and see if one of the two valve blocks are leaking, it can also be one of the hoses connecting to the valve blocks.

[@sparcolonsdale]

Its only money pit machine when things just reach theyre limit of operation.Every car is money pit machine when its older it just depends on ppl if they have those extra thousands laying around to replace old parts and then you have an great car at your hands. any project car needs some investment of time and money but many ppl think that they will just buy it and drive it like it didnt had any hystory behind it.

[@MercedesBenzTechs]

sparcolonsdale I completely agree, there is a reason why you buy a car for a friction of what it was initially priced

[@pietrogama3441]

usually, the high pressure line flexi hoses fail because the accumulators failed earlier and the pressure fluctuations are then balanced by the only elastic material in the line ... the flexi hoses. This is taking them to a premature fail. However, after 10 years, any flexi high pressure hose shall be changed. The choice is then between running behind the sudden failures or overhaul the entire system at once in a consistent way.

[@ramesraj83]

I have sl500 2009 model and have issue with hydrollic and also noise camming from luggage compartment can u suggest what do i do

[@leonfourie1917]

Good day, would you suggest that we rather take out the ABC-system completely and replace it with normal shocks and coils? Should be a lot less maintenance going forward? Regards.

[@MercedesBenzTechs]

Leon Fourie absolutely not! Might as well buy a Toyota, if you can’t feed an elephant, buy a kitty...

[@leonfourie1917]

Mercedes Benz Techs Have a look at the Tavarish video where he did the conversion.

[@MercedesBenzTechs]

Leon Fourie active body control is very reliable system if maintain correctly, it is a very sophisticated system but yet easy to operate, I can’t imagine someone would rather have just springs or coils in his car..

[@ke0kie]

the black edition has regular suspension, and folks have done traditional suspension swaps on the SL, both for performance and removing ABC reasons

[@lasinse-gr7rc]

It is possible, but arguably not a wise thing to do. It is always better to buy the type of car that you want to have, than to buy another type of car and convert it. This is true both for upgrades and downgrades.

[@robertrobbins837]

I'm having a problem with my Active Body Control on my CL500 2003 the computer is telling me that something's wrong with the plungers I believe I believe the leveling sensors pressure control sensor my car go up and come down and go up and come down on its own what is the best computer to buy to reprogram my car what to be at the right ride height

[@PearsonParty]

You saved me a nightmare...I was purchasing an extremely cheap 2003 on auction. Paid a MB tech to inspect before the close and found the ABC problem on the dash, rear randomly drops out. The repair is thousands to do correctly and its actually just a bad design and unreliable anyway. Research is everything!

[@rampantcolt]

I sold my CL500 because of this issue. Replaced all the ABC shocks twice. I was done. I even did it myself one time. Never again.

[@musicllife]

Did you ever rebuild the valve block? Or the lines?

[@musicllife]

Or flushed the system?

[@jgonzalesm6]

I've got a 2009 SL550 with AMG package. Car only has 16,500 miles on it. I also have a Foxwell NT510 Elite (Mercedes Benz) that I bought new on ebay for $125-->it does the rodeo test. Got 20ltrs of Pentosin CHF-11S and 2 reservoir filters from Amazon. Going to flush, replace old fluid (rodeo test) with new fluid as well as the reservoir filter.

[@poucedeleon]

I would like to know who makes the bracket you used to hold the engine in place while you removed the subframe.

[@MercedesBenzTechs]

I got it from Snapon

[@ainsliegreer8202]

Quick question....I have 03 s55 amg and I had a/c replaced and I forgot to put the ground wire on the banjo bracket that holds the abc pump in place...it’s a tight fit so my question to you what is that for and should put that back on now ?or it’s something I can do later?

[@MercedesBenzTechs]

Preferably put it back in but you can still run the car, you get ground in several different places.

[@jds1vette]

Someone wants to give me one as a gift....I'll take it. Thanks for the video.

[@kmobthm]

What’s up ! Wanted to ask ! W220 s55 2003 , car sits low after driving when parked ! When turning it on it goes up in matter of 15 -20 seconds perfect height , also to elevate and lower button works ? Need help what could be the problem

[@MercedesBenzTechs]

Flush the system and change filter

[@faisalbwzr3928]

Well I'm in the same situation rear hose leaking. On w220 s600 2006. Big job.....

[@bigpoo02]

I have a 2002 sl500 with the red abc light on the dash, I replaced the abc pump and everything, just dont know of to clear it, can i use a cheap ob2 reader to clear the code, or can you point me in the right direction for something that will work please?

[@MercedesBenzTechs]

The code does not have to be cleared, you have more issues. You do need a computer that can scan ABC module though.

[@robcam2k]

I found your video very interesting. I am thinking of buying a used 2007 through 2009 SL 550 (always wanted one...) but am concerned about the ABC system. Besides looking for leaks how can someone determine it's shape. Can a qualified mechanic inspect or perform a test or.... to know if it's reliable?

[@MercedesBenzTechs]

Cam Roberson check the fluid and the filter and in general, I usually check the overall of the car and see if maintenance was done by a quick lube type of place or a professional place.

[@robcam2k]

Thanks so much. I saw in another video where they actually tested the hydraulics... looked like one of those low rider shows where different sections of the car were hoisted up, then down... is this a practical test or was someone just showing off?

[@MercedesBenzTechs]

Cam Roberson it’s what we call the dynamo test or rodeo, it gives you control over the suspension with a computer, we use it to test the system and bleed after repairs

[@robcam2k]

is it prohibitively expensive to do? If I were going to buy a sl550 would it be sensible to pay to have a qualified mechanic do it?

[@MercedesBenzTechs]

Cam Roberson yes. Make sure you calculate it before you buy the car

[@nizarfarkouchi1929]

i replaced my air spring. but now the car doesn't go up or down anymore. what should I do. because there is now malfunction stop car on the counter

[@zaidal-obaidi5626]

Just get yellow speed coilovers and enjoy it if you got it for cheap totally worth it body

[@kmontgomery27]

zaid khaled why not regular struts from advanced auto?

[@megadudecool]

@@kmontgomery27 because there isnt many afternerket companies that provide conventional coil over swaps

[@kmontgomery27]

@@megadudecool what do you think about the Audi R8

[@megadudecool]

@@kmontgomery27 no idea tbh. Outt of my price range so I wouldnt dare judge it. Ill tell you though that Audis drive like no other and they are reliable in the sense that you can rely on them to have problems lol. They are difficult to work on and if youre thinking about saving money on after market parts they do not respond well to any non oem parts involving anything electrical(sensors, coils, spark plugs, etc...)

[@darrenhicks7757]

David should I expect the same issue from the W211 E500's 03'-06' ?

[@MercedesBenzTechs]

Darren Hicks no, you have the airmatic system not hydraulic, much cheaper to maintain.

[@doodlebob281]

Hi. Thanks for this introductory vid! I bought a 2003 Mercedes SL500 recently and so far Ive tackled many of the fixes myself. But now the Car gives me a message saying “ABC Drive carefully” when i hit the slightest bumps or dips but I see now visible leeks and the hydraulic fluid levels are good. What should I check first?

[@MercedesBenzTechs]

Doodle Bob flush ABC system and change the filter

[@kuryk01]

ABC Diagnostic Information mercedes-abc-drive-carefully.blogspot.com

[@alejandrobenz1798]

Dude that’s a simple one it’s your accumulators

[@jds1vette]

@@kuryk01 Excellent guide.

[@gearhead3135]

Would his be similar for the W220 S-Class?

[@narcissistinjurygiver2932]

nope airmatic on w220

[@khoinguyen88]

Is there a way to maintain thr abc system sir? Im getting a cl65 amg.....and want to keep it running

[@MercedesBenzTechs]

khoi nguyen yes, flush the fluid every 20k and change the filter in the reservoir

[@johnmichalak4851]

Is there a replacement for that ABC system that’s cheaper than repairing it?

[@delroythompsons159]

I own one I install coils over

[@RCChoppercx2]

Thanks for sharing. I don't have one of these but I do have an 05 s55 AMG an looks almost like the same line leaking on mine. Will I have to drop sub frame as well_

[@MercedesBenzTechs]

OverDrivenTV it’s the same system just different chassis, I don’t remember how it is on the 220 chassis tough..

[@rickyg3879]

Mercedes Benz Techs hey man I have a 2002 CL500 and I also have a leak, I want to repair it myself, any suggestions will be highly appreciated.

[@MercedesBenzTechs]

doubleS find out where is the leak coming from first.

[@rickyg3879]

Mercedes Benz Techs ok I will thanks

[@MercedesBenzTechs]

OverDrivenTV if you find a different way to do it please let me know.. if it is the same line you’ll have to remove the subframe.

[@davejohnson3860]

So when you say cheap, what's the $ to fix?

[@DrigoDrigo-jm2yj]

I heard something pop then It leaked the fluid any ideas?

[@skillz1855]

Most of these cars don't have this as an ongoing issues. It's the pump, nitro balls and retiming life of ABC ECU

[@YouTube.TOM.A]

The replaced line shown in this video is one of the most consistent culprits in ABC system leaks; that and the hydraulic pump loosing viability and leaking. The line runs from the front hydraulic block with the accumulator to the midbody T fitting that incorporates other lines. MTB of Atlanta is correct that there is no way to replace this line without removing the subframe. I am so upset that there were no foreseeable modifications made to this line. If that don't scare you wait till you see the honeycomb of lines running from the rear hydraulic block to all the rear struts. This car is really not mechanic friendly and one of the disappointments of the Mercedes fleet.

[@Fkzionism]

At this point why not do the conversion to the cool over ??

[@MercedesBenzTechs]

ABC is a part of your ESP and dynamic ride, it’s also communicating on your CAN with other module also because it’s active you don’t have sway bar/links.. a very stupid decision to remove it, better buy a Toyota

[@anacletoroboris9123]

Sorry to say but this is not the smart way to do this job. Any leak is coming from the flexible section of the lines, ageing and becoming easy to brake, even more if the efficiency of the accumulators is not monitored. Said so, the smart way to repsir it is to cut the 10mm steel pipe next to the flex hose and fit a suitable coupler to connect a new flexi hose. I have done this job myself and spending a fraction ( 27usd per pipe) of the bill that will shock that client...

[@MercedesBenzTechs]

Disagree with you, if you own a repair shop and your customers are expecting a professional repair you have to do it the way the book says if you are a shade tree mechanic you can do what ever you want, infact, you don’t even have to fix it at all, drive a lowboy.

[@gerardodieck6382]

Hi Anacleto! Your suggestion is feasible. Do you know if there is any video on the web on how to do it?

[@johnfree3052]

Can you drive it low? It’s not dragging on the tire

[@adamsims6080]

Beautiful car I brought home an s55 full of S

[@cglawrence]

if you had 25 or 30 of these, how come it took you 2 days to get off a hydraulic line?

[@MercedesBenzTechs]

chris lawrence to do it right without bending any parts you need to remove the subframe, it’s time consuming

[@kmontgomery27]

Facts! Lol

[@repnatl]

I notice you have an Atlanta phone number I'm in Kennesaw. I just bought an 03 s55 and have the abc warning light on periodically and I hear a loud hissing sound coming from the pulsation damper in the front passenger side. It hisses loudly when the engine is running and hisses loudly for another minute or so after the car is shut off. I was thinking of bleeding the system but that hissing almost sounds like the damper has failed all together. No physical fluid leaks anywhere on the vehicle.

[@MercedesBenzTechs]

There should be a fault code on the ABC control unit if that’s the case regardless, it’s always good to flush the system and change the filter, I usually try it twice before I replace expensive parts, sometimes it works.

[@repnatl]

Mercedes Benz Techs would I need a Mercedes scanner to pull the abc codes or can I use a generic scanner or is there a way to enter a diagnostic mode in the car? Also where is the filter for the abc located?

[@MercedesBenzTechs]

Chris Atkinson you need Mercedes scanner, located on front of the hood on driver side next to the front side of the fender right in front of the strut tower.

[@repnatl]

awesome yeah saw the filter was in the reservoir over there. Probably doing to try a flush and filter change to see but might have to locate a new damper.

[@MercedesBenzTechs]

Chris Atkinson don’t change a part before you know exactly what the problem is.

[@kmontgomery27]

They told me I can ball on a budget so I bought the beast. Now Can I patch up my hydraulic hose leak? My SL55 amg just started leaking. Hydraulic fluid flowed right out. Resi was bone dry. Smfh. How much does this cost to repair? Should I just buy regular struts?

[@pietrogama3441]

regular struts can be installed but require several modification and the overall cost would be not far from the car cost.

[@YouTube.TOM.A]

Mercedes Benz really screwed the pooch on this system. The hydraulic lines are composed of flexible and non flexible components. The NON flexible metal tubing almost never leak; but the flexible, reinforced [ internally braded ] rubber hose suffer dry rot, physical impacts, flexing, and cracking. If they had made it possible to detach and remove the rubber hoses without taking out the whole damn hydraulic line from soup to nuts then you can replace the hydraulic hoses and be done with it.

[@spiritbuu]

Cars depreciate but price of parts do not. Simple.

[@kmontgomery27]

spiritbuu labor does not depreciate either.

[@piper1727]

The ugly fkn truth!..

[@njbiker]

Do coilovers and your done

[@MercedesBenzTechs]

Might as well buy a Kia... if you don’t understand this systems drive a regular car, Mercedes is not for you.

[@rioraton]

how much does a repair like that cost

[@MercedesBenzTechs]

rioraton this specific hose is about 13.5 hours labor, the hose was only $70

[@phk8411]

Thanks....good work

[@mrkongsimr]

I'm thinking about one with 35k 06 and it scares me so that now looking at the r129.

[@MercedesBenzTechs]

sputnic the r129 is worst and older, should scare you even more

[@ohyeahbabyitson]

I would say buy it. But your comment was 10 months ago. So it definitely sold. Its a great car, did you buy one?

[@amgmeplzsayso7878]

Convert to coils springs it’s 1k for the kit will never nave the problem again 👁👁other than that the car solid #swear

[@MercedesBenzTechs]

You shouldn’t do it, it’s active suspension and a part of you electronic stability control, you change to coils, you change the entire dynamic ride, might as well by a Toyota.

[@delroythompsons159]

I have one 2004 easy fix $1500 go to coil over I did

[@VIP-rp3oq]

Thanks for this, a nice one where i live is for sale, thanks but no thanks. A big money pit!

[@Glebaka]

If you want to buy SL r230, just take Sl350 version its comes with standard non abc suspension, much cheaper to maintain. Only drawback is weaker m122 3.7 engine, but its also ok, not much that difference between m113 5.0.

[@MercedesBenzTechs]

Glebaka I have never seen sl350 in the United States.. it might be available outside the country.

[@SkippyPB.]

In other words, do not buy a R230 SL. Instead, get the R129 instead. Cheaper to fix and to maintain. No ABC issues. R230s value are dropping like a sinker in the lake. If you must have a drop top with 4 round headlights, consider the CLK Cabrio.

[@LouGagliardi]

you didnt even talk about repairs just about dropping cross member

[@ran1776]

It would be nice to know what expensive is instead of you just keep saying expensive

[@MercedesBenzTechs]

Saying expensive is timeless, saying a price may be relevant only for the time the video is taken..

[@fredrezfield1629]

eighty two ! not thirty two learn to speak englsih

[@martinair329]

Useless.