I want to remove ADS, just need a link. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

thetron · #1 09-25-2006, 05:48 AM

I know there was a write up on the issue,remove ADS then replace with regular shocks and springs, but I can't find it. I have a 91 R129.
TIA!

airdam · #2 11-28-2006, 06:58 PM

I want to do the same. My ADS light comes on and the car rides like a truck. I refuse to pay the high price for the ADS sock replacements or a faulty leveling unit. I would want to put in some nice simple Bilstein shocks.

let me know if you find out anything on this.

sixto · #3 11-28-2006, 07:31 PM

If the ride is stiff, chances are you need new spheres at ~$120 each rear, $180 each front for a 99-00 SL. A 98 S600 coupe only has rear SLS, I believe.

For an S600 coupe I'd try parts from a non SLS S320 or S420 sedan.

For a R129 I'd try parts from a non SLS SL320.

Sixto
93 300SD

airdam · #4 11-29-2006, 03:41 AM

My problem is that the shicks go out intermittently. About half the time the ride is nice and smooth. But then almost once a day the dash light goes on and the ride stiiffens up. I don't know if it is the self leveling sensor or the shocks or nitrogen balls or just a loose wire connection. I even had an independent Mercedes mechanic check it and they aren't sure because my shocks are not leaking and are in good shape. The ride when working is quite soft though. But when it stiffens it is very harsh and the whole car (CL600) just gets bashed on the freeway.

I don't want to take this to the dealer because their remedy is ti just replace everything and charge thousands of dollars without even feeling sorry for the custimer. That has happened so many times on my 2001 ML 430 that I just got sick and eventually sold the lemon.

My CL600 has been a trouble free car compared to my ML430 BUT I want to be careful on repairs as I don't want to spend thousands of dollars if i can solve it with a few hundred.

pcmaher · #5 11-29-2006, 08:22 AM

You are not alone. ADS system failure is a common with older vehicles. I attached a link describing my adventures in ADS.

http://v12uberalles.com/ADS.htm

I believe that Strutmasters.com sells a retro-fit kit to eliminate the hydraulic suspension.

airdam · #6 11-29-2006, 07:17 PM

PC Maher,

Thanks for your link. Yes I did read your website many times over severqal months ago regarding your headaches with the ADS system. It was very helpful and I better understand the ADS system thanks to your in depth article. I am facing an intermittent shock light and I just don't want to pay the big bucks required to replace the ADS system. My mechanic says that I can replace the ADS with standard Bilstein shocks and just turn off the ADS system and plug the hydraulic lines from the brake resorvoir. He has done this before to BMWs and Cadillacs. The cost of all 4 Bilsteins is less than 1 ADS shock. I am ready to order standard Bilsteins for my 98 CL 600 but want to make sure that this will work before I dive into this repair. The car is 9 years old and I am not a purist when it comes to keeping everything standard from the factory. I like to be inventive (like you) and find reasonable solutions.

thanks again. Any knowledge is very helpful.

pcmaher · #7 12-01-2006, 05:22 PM

I understand your rationalization airdam. I am left a little worried about plugging the lines. I do not know if the pump will object to that. I can't remember if the levelling valve shuts off fluid from the pump, or if it routes it back to the reservoir. If it routes the fluid back, I would feel better about routing the supply lines in such a way as to bypass the valve. I'll try to dig up my old notes. If anyone can provide more info on the levelling valve, please share. Thanks.

Peter Guenther · #8 12-01-2006, 09:03 PM

Hold on, the ADS uses an electronic signal to control the fluid flow within the front shocks , and a similar valve to control fluid flow in the rear Hydraulic struts that comes from a tandem to the power steering pump and a control valve tied to the rear sway bar, the ABS pump for the brakes has nothing to do with it unless you lost something in the translation from your mechanic. The pump for the rear does reciculate so I suggest you locate the neutral detent and pin it there should be a locating (centering) hole that will fit a roll pin. The fronts are pretty well shocks, the rears are hydraulic struts that do rely on a little residual pressure so you might have to increase spring pad thickness

sixto · #9 12-01-2006, 10:35 PM

Can't you use the power steering pump from an S420 so you don't have a tandem pump?

Sixto
93 300SD

airdam · #10 12-19-2006, 02:11 AM

Everyone, thank you very much for all this information regarding the ADS shocks. It has helped me understand better how to deal with this before spending the money. After reading all of your information I will not convert to standard Bilstein shocks. I will save a little more money and bite the bullet and do the correct thing and replace the accumulators and the ADS shocks. I do know that Adsit sells the shocks for about $450 ea. I will look into the accumulatolrs as well, It is funny how my shocks go out intermittently though so I am wondering if the electronic units (I don't know what they're called) under the car have problems or not. I checked and cleaned all the connectors but I still get the "shock" light on the dash from time to time with a rock hard ride. I guess I better get this fixed before my car gets shaken apart.

thanks again everyone!

airdam

airdam · #11 06-26-2007, 01:48 AM

I replaced my air cells with new ones. BUT did not help. My mechanic put the new cells in and kept my car for over 3 weeks trying to figure out why my ADS lights still come on. Very mysterious system. Anyway, my ADS light still comes on and ride is as stiff as an old VW Jetta in China. Very bad. Thinking about selling my car (CL 600) over this one issue. I refuse to take this to the dealer and get a $7k bill for all new parts. My light only comes on in hot weather (over 80 F) and when soeone sits in the back or I hit a bump or when ir feels like it when I start the car.

Thinking about replacing the leveling sensor and see if that's the culprit. Too bad this is such a finicky system on such a beautifule car. My next car will be much simpler (Toyota). I'm not rich enough to pay for these over engineered problems.

pcmaher · #12 06-26-2007, 08:30 AM

My car did the exact same thing. When warm, and as soon as I turned the steering wheel, the ADS caution light came on. Pulling codes confirmed that the Steering Angle Sensor was faulty. $350 later, problem solved. Try pulling codes if you haven't done so yet.

airdam · #13 06-26-2007, 11:31 AM

Thank you for sharig your experience on this PC. Really apprecicate it. I believe my mechanic did pull codes but did not find anything. I will tell him about the steering sensor and have this replaced.

Thanks again,

Airdam