2001-s500 Struts
 

Took my car to the dealer and they told me that I need new struts and something called a ABC pressure block. quoted me $ 5,200. Can someone tell me what the correct name and part numbers these items are listed as. I'm going to try and purchase them online and have a local mech. install them. (Does anyone know a good web site to order these parts or good mech. in the philly area?) Here is what I think the description name goes by:


ABC Strut Assembly ?
ABC pressure block?


Thanks

Left 220-320-58-13 Struts list for $1350. each & valve block $960.
right 220-320-54-13 &

Valve block 220-320-03-58

Adds to $3660 list price for parts + tax...add 4-5 hrs labor at $125@ hr...= $4500.

What's wrong with the struts? Are they leaking? Concerning the "pressure block", there's more than one. Which one do thery want to replace, and why? The ABC system isn't that complicated. MB has published some very informative DTB's regarding the diagnosis and repair for some of the more common failures. Some of these solutions are quick and cheap.

Before you run off and spend big $$$ based on the dealers' diagnosis, you need to get some detailed information from the dealer. External leaks, fault codes, etc. Find out what you can and post the results.

There is a recall on the high pressure hose..

There is a bulletin on a "moaning" noise just off idle to 1800RPM...accumulator.

Many times performing a RODEO on the system will help with other problems..

But sounds like you have LEAKS...make sure they replace the accumulator.

To clarify, the RODEO is simply an activation via SDS, with the engine running, in which all of the control valves are opened and closed while full hydraulic pressure is provided to all four struts. It's actually very entertaining to watch. The car bounces around like crazy! The suspension rises and falls, at each corner, one strut at a time hence the name. The idea is to dislodge any small particles that may have contaminated the hydraulic system. An updated ABC fluid filter is installed prior to performing this procedure. It can trap much smaller particles (3 microns' vs. 10) which can become trapped in the contol valves, causing internal leakage, leading to a variety of possible issues.

Regarding external leaks, performing a RODEO test won't help. Any leaking componenets must be replaced.

Here is the write up from Mercedes Benz Invoice:
68625 Test Drive Care. Found FRT Lower Ball Joints Loose. Found FRT Strut tops loose. Also found code in ABC system for low pressure. Top off level. Look for leaks. Found value block with pressure sensor leaking. perform rodio test to test pump output, ok at this time.

They want to replace both struts and value block for $ 5700

They want to replace both struts and value block for $ 5700. The reason I took the car in was because of a moaning noise I was hearing when I pushed down on the gas pedal almost like a loud reving noise, besides driving I could also hear this noise when the car was in Neutral. So I was confused about it being the struts becasue wasn't moving.

As I posted...service bulletin on groaning noise..Bad system pressure accumulator.

Should be a $300-400 fix!

The accumulator will take care of the noise, but there's still the leak to deal with. Depending on the exact location of the leak, and the VIN, the fix may be as simple as a repair kit for the pressure sensor. DTB 32.50/29 provides the details needed to determine which course of action should be taken.

Didonato, ask your dealer to check this information carefully. Mistakes are often made when work instructions are breezed through as opposed to being carefully read! I know it sounds ridiculous, but I've seen it happen more than once. Also, get a better explanation concerning the strut replacement. Let us know how it goes.