Following the replacement of the pulsating damper, I discovered a fluid leak emanating from the steering/suspension pump of my 2008 SL500.
While I was away for the weekend, I switched cars and noticed a small pool of fluid—oil——but I haven't checked the source or severity of the leak yet. The damper was replaced this Wednesday, and it is scheduled to be worked on in the workshop. Would it be detrimental to the ABC system if the fluid has drained enough? Assuming there is enough power to turn the steering wheel and drive the indy for about five miles.
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Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2026
Posts: 80
Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2026
I thought we were discussing the ABC system, correct? If I understand you correctly, you mentioned that the hydraulic accumulator was the "damper" that was replaced.
Given that there is more than one on this vehicle, is it safe to assume that the ABC fluid and filter have been changed recently?
Given that there is more than one on this vehicle, is it safe to assume that the ABC fluid and filter have been changed recently?
Posts: 21
Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2026
Yours faithfully. I was under the impression that the pulsation damper, which the main dealer diagnosed, was an accessory to the steering pump, but the independent technician informed me that the same pump is responsible for the suspension. I had the oil changed using the ABC system at approximately 35,000 miles, which was about 8 years ago; now it's at 50,000 miles. Approximately the size and shape of a tennis ball, the damper is an independent unit.
Posts: 80
Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2026
The 2008 SL with ABC that I'm working on has five components, including the pulsation damper (two different part numbers). Since fluid flows through all five, it's possible that the others will fail soon after.
Look up "Legitstreetcars" by Alex Palmeri on YouTube if you want to shock yourself silly. Alex is very versatile and used to be an MB technician.
The videos you might find interesting are about an SL (V12). There are quite a few of them because it required a lot of work. One of the worst things that happened to him was when a diaphragm in one of the accumulators burst and blew bits of rubber all over the system. It would have been unsalvageable if he hadn't been a YouTuber capitalising on the Second Life's problems for content.
Despite the SL63 AMG having less than 30,000 miles on the odometer, the owner has requested that all five be replaced.
Look up "Legitstreetcars" by Alex Palmeri on YouTube if you want to shock yourself silly. Alex is very versatile and used to be an MB technician.
The videos you might find interesting are about an SL (V12). There are quite a few of them because it required a lot of work. One of the worst things that happened to him was when a diaphragm in one of the accumulators burst and blew bits of rubber all over the system. It would have been unsalvageable if he hadn't been a YouTuber capitalising on the Second Life's problems for content.
Despite the SL63 AMG having less than 30,000 miles on the odometer, the owner has requested that all five be replaced.