ANTILOCK warning light goes on...an interesting potential solution
 

While talking to a local Mercedes mechanic I mentioned that my ANTILOCK warning light would occasionally come on in my 1987 300e. He matter of factly told me to replace my horn ring and brushes in the steering column. Now I've been involved in a few discussions here about the electrics of these particular models (OVP's etc) but this is the first time I've ever heard this solution bandied about. Has anyone else heard of this before? I'd love to hear your input.
Thom

Thom, I read your post several times to make sure I wasn't hallucinating. On your car, I can assure you that the contact ring and brushes have no influence over the ABS. The "rings and brushes" only provide an electrical connection for the drivers' airbag and the horn. The person you spoke with was probably thinking of something else. Your ANTILOCK light could be coming on due to several things. When does it come on? Immediately after start-up? While driving? Is it an intermittent problem? More info!!!

It comes on now and then especially when I go around a corner. Sometimes it comes on when I'm steering straight ahead as well, so who knows? However, it used to come on all the time until I replaced the front brake pads. Now the ANTILOCK light only comes on occasionally. I replaced the OVP last year so that's not it either. I've read many opinions on this in the archives here but I'm still scratching my head. Your guess is as good as mine.
Thom

Thom, the early ABS systems aren't very complicated. Wheel speed sensors, power supply to the control unit, and solenoid valves/relays at the hydraulic unit are all possible causes. On early 124's, improved wheel speed sensors/hardware are available. From your description it's impossible to say for certain what your problem might be. The only sure way to find out is to have the system tested by someone familiar with the system (not the mechanic you mentioned in your initial post!!!). Good luck

The mechanic must have confused the SRS light with the ANTILOCK light.

When I first purchased my 560SL, the SRS light would go on and off intermittently. My mechanic said that he could remove the airbag and clean the contacts, or I could just live with it. I decided to just live with it, but when I replaced all of my fuses, the problem went away.

The front ABS speed sensors can get pretty gooped up with disk shavings. They are easy to remove and clean - take the wheels off for access. May not fix the problem, but it doesn't take much time and is a no-cost effort.

Steve

Wow sbourg, this is very interesting. I've never disassembled one of these. Do you have a link to some pictures or perhaps a detailed description of the operation? Many thanks.
Thom

I cleaned my sensors as Steve suggested awhile back trying to fix an ABS issue on a 126 car. Helps if you have the 126 CD for a description of where things are, though it's not that tough.

In my case, a single 5mm allen head holds each sensor in. This is to be found on the inside of the hub. You gain access from the front and down underneath. The sensor has an electrical line that routes upwards through the wheel well.

Once the 5mm allen head is out, you can start rotating the sensor to loosen it. Eventually it will pull out. You can clean the gunked up end of it with brake parts cleaner.

Won't hurt to try.

Thanks Mike, I'll give it a go and let everyone know what pans out.
Thom