NSF suspension dropped

[RickyA]

Hi All, noticed yesterday NSF suspension dropped real low.If I start up and raise suspension to full height, raises OK.If I then ‘drop’ to normal height and switch off engine, immediately drops again.Any ideas / suggestions greatly appreciated.Hoping it’s not an expensive strut replacement !
Additionally, there is what looks like some kind of filter that rests beside the ABC fluid reservoir with a sort of sponge material around it.I think the ‘sponge’ is there as maybe a damper to to stop rattles against body of ABC reservoir ? Amy ideas as to what this component is ? the spongy bit is wet with ABC fluid / oil and wondering if this is possibly the source of suspension dropping on this side.Checked the reservoir level though and all OK. Been dreading the day I experience an ABC issue and after 4 1/2 years of ownership it’s happened and hoping it’s a simple fix ?
All replies, suggestions will be greatly appreciated.216 series 2009 CL 5.5
Thanks

Ricky

 

[Mark Q]

I suspect its a valve, have a read through, it won't let me post the pdf.

ABC System

Welcome to my guide for the Mercedes Active Body Control (ABC) Suspension System. In July of 2014, I purchased a used 2003 Mercedes ...

mercedes-abc-drive-carefully.blogspot.com

Plenty of info on this forum ref ABC systems

 

[Conor]

Hello

My thoughts (confirmed in link above) are that it could be...

Either the strut has a fault / leak...or else the valve block is playing up.

I have something similar with the OSR on mine, but when I turn off the car, it raises up which is due to a bad seal in the valve block.

Now.. when you turn the car back on, the system detected the height is off so it corrects it, by lowering the car.

It seems like yours is the same, but in reverse.

You can buy a valve block rebuild kit for about 60-80 from XR8 and DIY if you are that way inclined.

 

[Richard Moakes]

Hi All, noticed yesterday NSF suspension dropped real low.If I start up and raise suspension to full height, raises OK.If I then ‘drop’ to normal height and switch off engine, immediately drops again.Any ideas / suggestions greatly appreciated.Hoping it’s not an expensive strut replacement !
Additionally, there is what looks like some kind of filter that rests beside the ABC fluid reservoir with a sort of sponge material around it.I think the ‘sponge’ is there as maybe a damper to to stop rattles against body of ABC reservoir ? Amy ideas as to what this component is ? the spongy bit is wet with ABC fluid / oil and wondering if this is possibly the source of suspension dropping on this side.Checked the reservoir level though and all OK. Been dreading the day I experience an ABC issue and after 4 1/2 years of ownership it’s happened and hoping it’s a simple fix ?
All replies, suggestions will be greatly appreciated.216 series 2009 CL 5.5
Thanks

Ricky

Nothing should be wet with fluid, is it possible to take a photo of the wet spongy bit?

 

[Conor]

Nothing should be wet with fluid, is it possible to take a photo of the wet spongy bit?

Oh yes, I missed that part. It might also be useful to remove the front portion of the NSF wheel well liner.. that is where the valve block for the front is housed. It might show signs of a leak in there.