Getting my KNU7S back on the raod R129 ADS Adaptive Damping System problem?

[KNU7S]

We have not used the SL for 5 years it has been mainly stored in a dry garage until 12 months ago when it was moved to our new house where we don't have a garage.

I always start it every few months and get it nice and warm and move it about a bit. I have decided to start using it again for commuting to work and back.

So today I had the 2 front tyres refitted (they were leaking around the rim) and it started fairly easily, it was missing o a few cylinders until i revved it a little. it was running for a good 20-30mins and sounded fantastic.

There is a little bit of damp on the inside as you would expect but overall not too bad.

However the suspension light is on and what i believe to be the ADS fluid resivor looks very low. the rear suspension was creaking a little any ideas????

Things to do for the MOT

1, LH sticky brake caliper, this one has always been a problem even when it was used everyday, I have purchased a pair from a chap £35 delivered I will fit the one to get it through the MOT and perhaps rebuild a pair and fit them a later date. The discs are rusty but not too bad these will get replaced but not until it is on the road again.

2, windscreen wiper switch only works on one speed, I have a new one to fit tomorrow to resolve this.

3, I will have each wheel off and check all the brakes and lubricate and clean where necessary.

4, general check over, lights, wiper blades the usual items.

Other items to look at but not critical for the MOT

1, heater blower does not work but i think this could be the resistor.

2, Front bumper needs painting as it is scuffed.

3, Alloy wheels to be refurbished.

4, loose door trim.

5, really good clean.

6, Roof problem, this has always wanted to work when it wanted and ideas how this can be checked, ie checking switches and sensors

any help would be greatly appreciated

 

[Dieselman]

Bounce the rear by pressing down on each wing in turn. I suspect the creaking suspension and low fluid is a ruptured sphere.

 

[KNU7S]

Bounce the rear by pressing down on each wing in turn. I suspect the creaking suspension and low fluid is a ruptured sphere.

Is it a easy job to replace a sphere? Also what fluid is required?

Thanks so much for your reply

 

[grober]

ADS Problems solved...but boy is this thing complicated - Page 3 - Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum

 

[BTB 500]

Yup a sudden drop in level without any obvious leakage suggests a failed diaphragm in one or more of the accumulators.

If yours are original from 1991 they've done pretty well ... they're essentially 'service parts' (as shock absorbers are in a conventional system). I had all four replaced by an ADS specialist last year, total cost was about £900 (using M-B parts).

As all four needed doing they suspected contaminated / degraded fluid could have played a part and gave the system a thorough flush through as part of the job. Personally I'd order the fluid via a dealer to make absolutely sure you get the right spec.

 

[Dieselman]

^ Note on the Benzworld thread the car feels different side to side. A classic tell-tale of a ruptured sphere.

Spheres are easy to replace.

I'm into spheres as suspension...

 

[Dieselman]

Yup a sudden drop in level without any obvious leakage suggests a failed diaphragm in one or more of the accumulators.

If yours are original from 1991 they've done pretty well ... they're essentially 'service parts' (as shock absorbers are in a conventional system). I had all four replaced by an ADS specialist last year, total cost was about £900 (using M-B parts).

As all four needed doing they suspected contaminated / degraded fluid could have played a part and gave the system a thorough flush through as part of the job. Personally I'd order the fluid via a dealer to make absolutely sure you get the right spec.

The fluid id ZHM mineral fluid (iirc) and as it is such a low volume product there will only be one manufacturer, whatever label is on the bottle.
I was reliably informed that all LHM is made by Total and just re-bottled as other brands.

 

[BTB 500]

I'm sure you're right, but given the time/money involved in working on ADS I would personally want to be 100% sure the fluid was the correct spec. rather than saving a few quid and being 95% sure.

 

[KNU7S]

Right, spent a few hours on the car today, been running it for 20 mins at a time getting it warm then letting go cold and doing it all again, I have done this 6 times today. It did highlight a few issues mainly a oil leak which is from the top of the engine hopefully a cam cover gasket.

I will purchase some of the correct fluid. bouncing each corner it is fairly stiff but it always has been the creaking is from the center rear? im sure it will be ok for the MOT.

The brakes are binding, i think i accidently left the parking brake on last time i moved it so i will have all the brakes apart.

The interior is a little damp but not too bad

the indicators do not seem to work not even the hazards so i am assuming the relay is knackered

 

[KNU7S]

I have been looking at the indicator problem and wiper problem I plugged the new switch in and it did not make any differance, no indicators and the wipers still only work on one speed, I have been looking at the relays and pulled the 2 i thing relate to the wipers/indicators and cleaned them these were the one the LH side and a1298201026 which is on the drivers side, but still have an issue does anyone have one any other clues???