What is an ABC pump?
Active Body Control, or ABC, is the Mercedes-Benz brand name used to describe hydraulic fully active suspension, that allows control of the vehicle body motions and therefore virtually eliminates body roll in many driving situations including cornering, accelerating, and braking.
How long did it take to remove ABC pump?
Total time taken to remove and reinstall the pump was about 5 hours and 2 beers, including taking pics and notes. I spent another hour or so filling and bleeding the ABC and power steering.
How do you remove an ABC pump from a Mercedes Benz?
Loosen the hose clamps from the 2 hoses where they go to the power steering reservoir and ABC reservoir, then pull the hoses from them. Remove the front 2 of the three 10mm bolts holding the reservoir assembly in the car, then loosen the 3rd nut that attaches the bracket to the strut tower.
When did the ABC system start on my Mercedes SL500?
In July of 2014, I purchased a used 2003 Mercedes SL500 with 80,000 miles on it. And within days the infamous “ABC Drive Carefully” message started appearing on the dash.
Where is the pulsation dampener on a Mercedes Benz?
The ABC component most likely to cause this noise is the pulsation dampener. The location varies by model and year. On the R230 it is located in the front-left wheel well. On the W215 it is attached to the undercarriage near the transmission. On later models with the updated ABC system (2007+), the pulsation dampener is on the ABC pump.
Loosen the hose clamps from the 2 hoses where they go to the power steering reservoir and ABC reservoir, then pull the hoses from them. Remove the front 2 of the three 10mm bolts holding the reservoir assembly in the car, then loosen the 3rd nut that attaches the bracket to the strut tower.
Total time taken to remove and reinstall the pump was about 5 hours and 2 beers, including taking pics and notes. I spent another hour or so filling and bleeding the ABC and power steering.
Can a vacuum pump change the ABC fluid?
Yes, but using a vacuum pump will not change all of the ABC fluid. You will be replacing only about 30% of the fluid by sucking out the old fluid and filling with new ABC fluid. Make sure to do this with the engine off.
In July of 2014, I purchased a used 2003 Mercedes SL500 with 80,000 miles on it. And within days the infamous “ABC Drive Carefully” message started appearing on the dash.