Solution for failed Plunger/Load Calibration ABC Suspension W230/220/215

[karone]

I recently had an 05 SL500 (230.475) arrive at the workshop after several other mechanics attempted to perform calibration after replacement of ABC Strut.

Level Calibration was successful with estimated ROMESS values.

However Plunger and Load Calibration was not successful.

After spending lots of time playing with all options, I noticed that BAR pressure of ABC pump was slightly low during these actuations/procedures.

So my solution: by applying slight throttle to the gas while performing Plunger and Load calibration, BAR pressure of ABC pump rose and allowed for the actuation to be completed successfully.

 

[Patron911]

How much pressure does the ABC pump still have? I have a C215 CL 500 and had a lot of problems until I finally switched to threaded suspension.
Very important, don't do a rodeo test with Xentry, it does more damage than it fixes. After that, it dropped even faster for me.

 

[karone]

I believe threshold for ABC pump is around 180 BAR. There should be a separate test for the ABC pump, if it fails to meet this threshold than usually requirement is to replace pump.

Only time you should do rodeo = when you are willing to replace more than one line and possibly a strut. I learned this from an 01 S600 W220 that was baking in the Florida sun for years. It can activate like a domino effect causing lines one by one to burst.

I have yet to replace ABC with coil over / traditional spring suspension in a personal vehicle. I’m a big fan of ABC, it is magic when working.

 

[Bari87]

If the pump is new you will see a pressure of over 190 bar at valve Y86/1 as specified in GF46.30-P-3300A.
It is very important to change the oil (CHF11S) regularly, but even then there will come a time when the pump will fail.
Unfortunately, there is no aftermarket repair that will last, so avoid it if you don't want to sell the car.

 

[Patron911]

I am from Germany and we have several companies that are good at ABC chassis and can repair them cheaply. This may be an option for you - send the parts to Germany for repair. I don't know how much the shipping costs, but it may be worth it for you.