cycling noise from PSE unit?

[gazbiker]

Hi guys, i have recently bought a R230 SL350 2005 and getting to know the vehicle. Something i have noticed is a noise coming from the left hand sideof the boot the PSE unit i believe? It seems to be going through a cycling process? I have no warning lights and everything on the vehicle seems to work ok. Having done a bit of research i have established that the hydraulic resevoir is on the minimum mark but not below it, so not sure whether this would cause the PSE unit to be cycling? Am i imagining things, is this just normal or is something up? Any help appreciated. Cheers

 

[LostKiwi]

Ok. There are 2 pumps there.
The one with hydraulic fluid is the roof pump. The PSE pump sits under it and uses air pressure/vacuum to provide central locking. Which one is it?

 

[gazbiker]

The noise is coming from that unit, it is difficult to tell whether its the roof pump (hydraulic) or below the air vacuum as the unit is combined.

 

[LostKiwi]

No they are 2 separate pumps. The PSE pump is in a foam case mounted under the frame that supports the hydraulic pump.
If the PSE pump gets wet (R230s are designed with water leaks) they can do weird things and will eventually fail (preventing access to the boot).
It's most likely the PSE pump running and is most likely the result of a vacuum leak in one of the pipes. Allowing it to continue too long will burn out the pump sooner or later.
Whilst you still have access to the boot make sure the metal key can unlock the boot. If the pump fails and it doesn't work you're in a world of pain.
Also check for water in the boot floor and if at all in doubt remove the foam around the pump and dry it out.

 

[gazbiker]

Hi lostkiwi

Boot is dry: check, metal key still opens the boot: check

Tomorrow i will try and establish which motor is running and go from there. The leaking vacuum sounds plausable so will listen out for leaks.

I'll let you know how i get on.

Do you think the hydraulic pump would be cycling if the oil level is just above minimum?

Cheers

Gaz

 

[LostKiwi]

I wouldn't have thought so. There wouldn't normally be a reason for the pump to run unless either the roof or roll bar were being operated.

 

[gazbiker]

Ok, i moved the hydraulic unit out of the way and established that it is definately the PSE unit that keeps on cycling. The unit itself looks clean, no damp and the pipes alllook in good order. I left the key in the ignition without the engine running and although the PSE unit was going like the clappers i could not hear any air leaks? It does seem to be effected by closing the drivers door though, i.e aalong as the drivers door is closed it stops? Is this normal for the PSE unit? Am i being oversensitive? I read somewhere that can put a vacuum guage on some where and charge the system and listen for leaks?

Anyhelp ot guidance appreciated.
Gaz

 

[LostKiwi]

The only way to check for leaks is to disconnect each line, apply a vacuum pump to it and make sure it holds vacuum. Did exactly that for a PSE issue on my r129 SL yesterday (and found no leaks).

 

[gazbiker]

The only way to check for leaks is to disconnect each line, apply a vacuum pump to it and make sure it holds vacuum. Did exactly that for a PSE issue on my r129 SL yesterday (and found no leaks).

Hi Lostkiwi, I have managed to buy myself a vacuum tester for the PSE pipes. Presumably they clip out of the main body and you can connect the vacuum to each individual one and see whether the vacuum is being lost. What is the maximum vucuum that should be applied? I don't want to break a bellows? cheers Gaz

 

[LostKiwi]

450mbar is operating pressure/vacuum.
Yes they just clip out. Be careful to pull straight so as not to break the retainer clips.

 

[gazbiker]

450mbar is operating pressure/vacuum.
Yes they just clip out. Be careful to pull straight so as not to break the retainer clips.

Cheers for the info, going to atempt tbis on saturday.

 

[peterws1957]

Cheers for the info, going to atempt tbis on saturday.

I would think the most likely suspect will be the soft close unit in the boot lid. Made of cheap plastic they are prone to failure. Does the soft close work? If not take a look at MB World forum under the SL section - there's a good DIY guide for fixing.

 

[ajlsl600]

or pipe under seat ? dislodged with seat fore aft movement ?

 

[gazbiker]

Thanks for the tips guys.

The soft closure seems to working but could be a dislodged pipe under a seat since I have recently purchased and have adjusted seats to suit me and the missus.

 

[gazbiker]

Hi guys, so i put a vacuum pump on each of the pipes with the following results
VL no vacuum at all
TD held vacuum
IZV held vacuum
VR very slow releaseof vacuum
HECK slow releaseof vacuum

So what does TD stand for? And should it be holding a vacuum? I'm sure i've seen what these abbreviations mean somewhere?

Help!

Cheers

 

[Philedge]

From the info I have youve got-
TD is fuel flap
HECK is boot lock
MKL is massage seats
IVZ is glovebox and internal locker locks
VR and VL are front doors. I assume the R and L are rechts and links, right and left

Looks like youve got a problem with the left door???

 

[gazbiker]

What's the next step guys? I cannot hear a leak from the left door, should i start stripping it down, i would imagine its a big job to get the door cards off etc? I'm beginning to wonder whether i should just put it into a merc specialist?

 

[LostKiwi]

Is there any other option if you don't feel you can do it yourself?

 

[Philedge]

If youve part dismantled the pump and checked for loss of vacuum, youre probably more than capable of tracing the leak, but whether you take it to a garage to sort out only you can decide.

If your gonna DIY, then you probably want to get a small hose clamp on the VL pipe and see if the pump stops cycling with the leaky pipe clamped shut. If the pump stops cycling you know youve found the problem and youll need to trace the pipe and check for leaks. First place id look would be where the pipe crosses from the body to the door, and the locking mechanism.

 

[gazbiker]

Cheers for the advise guys, believe it or not many years ago I was a truck mechanic and in most cases I would get "stuck in" but unfortunately these days, (I'm nearly 60) I have some serious issues with my back which inhibits me somewhat. I'll look for the obvious and then go from there. Thanks, I appreciate you guys taking time to help.