R230 - ABC - Car Too Low...

[rexemper]

Hi all

Started the SL yesterday and go the ABC - Stop - Car Too Low message in red so obviously switched the car off. Was in a rush so simply took wife's car instead and came back later to have a better look.
The front driver side wheel arch was indeed quite low and noticeably lower than the others. All the others looked to be fine.
I had done some reading around during the day on previous threads so decided to try what some of them suggested:
- Switched car on and left to idle 10-15 mins
- Nothing happened to the height of the drivers front
- Drove forward 5-10 feet and the front of the car popped up to the right height
- Tried lowering and raising the car - all good
- Parked car up again.

Had a look this morning and sure enough the same wheel arch is lower. Switched car on and this time just drove forwards straight away - car popped back up to right height. Raising and lowering works as it should.

So, from what I've read about other people's experiences, this could be a valve block on the way out. So the questions I have are:

- Can valve blocks be repaired now? Some of the threads were quite old and it wasn't clear if they could be repaired then or a whole new part was needed.
- If they can be repaired, what is a likely cost?
- Anything else I should try and can I drive the car like this or is that a bad idea?

Thanks and hopefully this thread will update some of the questions from previous older threads in terms of what is possible now.

 

[rexemper]

Hi
Realised that the rear drivers side was sitting low as well, but pops up when the car is moved.
Just checked the fluid levels and they are slightly below the On and Off marks.
Maybe not a valve block?
Worth topping up the fluid?
Cheers

 

[mioba]

Well if the fluid is low it needs topping up. I guess thats why they have marks.
Top it up, keep an eye on the circuit, it is going somewhere.

 

[alexanderfoti]

The ABC lock valves are leaking and causing the car to drop. When started you get the warning, but putting it into gear or pressing the raise car button will lift it back up again. If it remains at the right height when running, but drops down when parked, its the lock valves. A flush sometimes sorts, othertimes the valve blocks need to be pulled apart and cleaned.

 

[rexemper]

The ABC lock valves are leaking and causing the car to drop. When started you get the warning, but putting it into gear or pressing the raise car button will lift it back up again. If it remains at the right height when running, but drops down when parked, its the lock valves. A flush sometimes sorts, othertimes the valve blocks need to be pulled apart and cleaned.

Thanks. Is removal, taking apart and re-installation of the valve blocks a straightforward job for a garage or should it be a specialist? Any idea on labour and parts costs or time?

 

[alexanderfoti]

Rebuilding the valve block is specialist work, including properly bleeding and flushing the ABC system afterwards.

£500-800 inc parts/labour