R230 SL500 ABC Issues

[Dapperflapper]

Hi All,

Looking for some advice before my car goes into the garage next week!

I have a R230 SL500 2003 with 49000miles with what looks to be an ABC issue.

Over the past few weeks the ride especially from the rear is rock solid, I literally feel every bump in the road however minor - it feels like I'm driving with flat tires.

No errors reported on the dashboard.
The car lifts to both settings when pressing the ride height button and drops evenly.
Never had any issues with sagging over long periods and the ride height is even.
ABC Fluid/Filter was changed last year at around 45000miles
No weird noises coming from the car
Pulsation Damper was replaced earlier this year as I was getting some noise when revving at low revs which sorted that.
Nothing else has been changed on the suspension looking at the service history
No fluid leaks and when checking the levels when the car was cold the level was above the marker - but I haven't touched the levels since an Indy changed it last year.

I'm wondering whether its possibly;
The accumulators being worn out as the car is 19 years old
Perhaps not even ABC related and worn suspension/subframe bushes?

Any help would be appreciated.

cheers

 

[LostKiwi]

Sounds like the rear accumulator is fubared.

 

[Dapperflapper]

Sounds like the rear accumulator is fubared.

Would you recommend replacing the front and return accumulators at the same time? I assume the ABC fluid would need replacing as well? Thanks

 

[LostKiwi]

If ABC fluid is older than 2 years replace it and the filter.

Up to you whether you replace the other 2 accumulators but given you've had 2 fail....

 

[Flyinspanner]

Do them all and the fluid and filter, if you don’t, and another accumulator goes soon after, it could allow debris into the fluid…..

 

[Dapperflapper]

Do them all and the fluid and filter, if you don’t, and another accumulator goes soon after, it could allow debris into the fluid…..

Thanks

 

[ajlsl600]

Hi All,

Looking for some advice before my car goes into the garage next week!

I have a R230 SL500 2003 with 49000miles with what looks to be an ABC issue.

Over the past few weeks the ride especially from the rear is rock solid, I literally feel every bump in the road however minor - it feels like I'm driving with flat tires.

No errors reported on the dashboard.
The car lifts to both settings when pressing the ride height button and drops evenly.
Never had any issues with sagging over long periods and the ride height is even.
ABC Fluid/Filter was changed last year at around 45000miles
No weird noises coming from the car
Pulsation Damper was replaced earlier this year as I was getting some noise when revving at low revs which sorted that.
Nothing else has been changed on the suspension looking at the service history
No fluid leaks and when checking the levels when the car was cold the level was above the marker - but I haven't touched the levels since an Indy changed it last year.

I'm wondering whether its possibly;
The accumulators being worn out as the car is 19 years old
Perhaps not even ABC related and worn suspension/subframe bushes?

Any help would be appreciated.

cheers

As lk have u needed to top ur abc fluid bladder likely shot in accumulator

 

[alexanderfoti]

Supply Accumulators that have failed cause an overly soft ride. The return one can cause hard damping but it need a check if the accelerometers to confirm what the abc module is seeing.

Also, not a far shout about bushes. Failed subframe bushes feel really bad on r230 as the subframe hits the retaining plate and you sit directly on top of them.

 

[Dapperflapper]

Supply Accumulators that have failed cause an overly soft ride. The return one can cause hard damping but it need a check if the accelerometers to confirm what the abc module is seeing.

Also, not a far shout about bushes. Failed subframe bushes feel really bad on r230 as the subframe hits the retaining plate and you sit directly on top of them.

Thanks, the car is going in tomorrow so will ask about the subframe.

 

[Dapperflapper]

So I had the subframe bushes changed and the car is a little better but I still think its almost solid over the bumps on the rear. Any suggestions? - I haven't changed any accumulators yet (other than the pulsation damper) but there seem to be thoughts as to whether a failed accumulator would cause hard suspension?

 

[alexanderfoti]

Failed accumulators will not cause hard suspension, they cause soft suspension on the ABC System as they are on the supply side. When they are completely failed, they cause a brief "ABC Visit workshop" when hitting bumps, often too quick to see.

This is because the pump cannot keep up with demand without the accumulators. There is a small return accumulator in the back that can contribute to a better quality ride, I have changed a few to help this. I would look at the other suspension components in the back though (bushes on the rear arms etc)

 

[Dapperflapper]

Failed accumulators will not cause hard suspension, they cause soft suspension on the ABC System as they are on the supply side. When they are completely failed, they cause a brief "ABC Visit workshop" when hitting bumps, often too quick to see.

This is because the pump cannot keep up with demand without the accumulators. There is a small return accumulator in the back that can contribute to a better quality ride, I have changed a few to help this. I would look at the other suspension components in the back though (bushes on the rear arms etc)

Thanks, I had the split mounts and lower spherical joints replaced. Difficult to know if I am imagining it, two garages have said its fine but it does feel too hard.

 

[alexanderfoti]

Sorry, terminology. When you say split mounts, do you mean Subframe bushes?

 

[Dapperflapper]

Sorry, terminology. When you say split mounts, do you mean Subframe bushes?

The invoice says, rear subframe front bushes and rear lower spherical joints

 

[Dapperflapper]

Just checked the tyres and they look to be Roadcruza RA710, never heard of them before - look to be budget tyres which might not be helping

 

[Craiglxviii]

Just checked the tyres and they look to be Roadcruza RA710, never heard of them before - look to be budget tyres which might not be helping

Finest ditchfinders!

 

[Dapperflapper]

Finest ditchfinders!

I'll get those replaced and see how it goes. The SL isn't the lightest car on the road so sitting on a budget tyre cant help

 

[ajlsl600]

Sounds like the rear accumulator is fubared.

Xactly. Has abc fluid level dropped or needed topping up.

 

[Dapperflapper]

Xactly. Has abc fluid level dropped or needed topping up.

I replaced the rear tyres and it's a little bit better but you still feel the bumps from the rear which I am sure never used to be the case. Looks like i'm back to replacing the accumulators. My local Indy garage are sure its not the accumulators as they say that a rough ride isn't a sign but I cannot see what else it could be. No errors at all, car rises and drops, fluid changed 5K ago but the ride just isn't right. I don't suppose there are any tests to prove its the accumulators before I "invest" another £800!

 

[ajlsl600]

I think if u can get access to mb xentry u can run a rodeo sequence with it. I ,understand thats a pretty rigorous test of the system. And should identify near all issues with the system maybe someone near enough to you to run that or u find reccomended indy near you to do that.