Can running ABC pump dry damage the PS side?

[bmd0]

I have a CL500 and the ABC pump has sprung a huge leak. I bought the car pretty cheap, it is also missing the boots on all 4 shocks with two of them already starting to leak, so I will not be repairing the pump as it's not economically viable given the price I paid.

With that out of the way, I am planning on fitting either YellowSpeed or Ceika coilovers (currently working through the minefield of which is best out of the two and which spring rate is best!!) but until I get those, I am trying to understand what is the worst that will happen if I drive the car with no ABC fluid? I can't even keep it topped up as it will leak 2 litres in 1 short journey so it ends up costing more in oil than fuel! I know the pump will be destroyed, but it is already, I am more curious as to whether the shocks stay up or will they end up hitting the floor?

And further to this, I read a few reports online that once you replace the shocks you can just leave the ABC pump in place, with no oil, and there is no damage to the PS side. Is there truth in that?

 

[LostKiwi]

Why not fix the leak?

 

[bmd0]

Why not fix the leak?

As above - I picked up the car cheap and replacing the pump is not economical given the cost of the car and that I know two shocks are leaking and all four are missing the dust boots.

 

[LostKiwi]

Specialized in Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz hydraulic suspension

ABC ventil valve ventielenblok federbein shock veerpoot pumpe druckpumpe pump pomp oliepomp stuurpomp CL S SL W215 C215 W220 W216 W221 R230 R231

www.abcspecialist.nl

Struts and boots available from AliExpress for not much money @Naraic and @Craiglxviii have used them and can probably help out.

Likely cost less than a coilover kit.

 

[bmd0]

Specialized in Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz hydraulic suspension

ABC ventil valve ventielenblok federbein shock veerpoot pumpe druckpumpe pump pomp oliepomp stuurpomp CL S SL W215 C215 W220 W216 W221 R230 R231

www.abcspecialist.nl

Struts and boots available from AliExpress for not much money @Naraic and @Craiglxviii have used them and can probably help out.

Likely cost less than a coilover kit.

Thanks. The trouble with that is I don't really trust the remainder of the system to not start blowing out hoses and such. If I replace the pump and then I need to potentially do valve blocks, hoses, struts etc. and I will very quickly be over the cost of the coilovers. A replacement pump is already half the cost I paid for the car

 

[Flyinspanner]

MB do exchange rebuilt ABC pumps at around £500.

yes if no fluid it will drop to the floor, maybe doing more damage if you encounter a speed hump or a pothole etc……


valve block rebuild kits are about £90…

hoses - get them made up cheap by pirtek etc.

 

[LostKiwi]

If you do go coilover don't forget to add in all the antiroll bar mounts and antiroll bar.
ABC cars don't have them so you'll need to allow for that.

 

[mioba]

Look at MB Reman - rebuilt parts with MB warranty.