brakes
ABS Pump
for 2012 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG 6.0L V12 BiTurbo M275 · RWD
Difficulty
Advanced
Time
3.4 h
Tools
10
Steps
13
✓Fact-checked. Built from OLP's spec database, then independently fact-checked line by line with every correction applied. Master-tech sign-off by Chris Hackleman is queued. Cross-check torque values against the factory manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. How our data is made.
Replace the ABS hydraulic pump/module assembly on a 2007-2013 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG, including brake fluid evacuation, hydraulic unit removal, installation, and system bleeding.
Warnings
⚠️The ABS pump contains high-pressure brake fluid. System must be depressurized and battery disconnected before brake line removal to prevent fluid spray and electrical shock.
⚠Brake fluid is corrosive to paint. Cover fenders and wash any spills immediately with water.
⚠This vehicle requires specialized diagnostic equipment for ABS bleeding and final verification. Improper bleeding can result in complete brake system failure.
ℹ️The ABS pump is located in the left front engine compartment near the fender well and weighs approximately 10 lbs when full of fluid.
Tools required
Brake fluid evacuation/bleeding toolEssential
Torque wrench (10-150 Nm range)Essential
10mm, 13mm, 16mm socketsEssential
T30, T40 Torx bitsEssential
Flare nut wrenches (10mm, 11mm)Essential
Shop towels and drip panEssential
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Parts
- ABS Hydraulic Pump Assembly (ESP/ABS Module) × 1 — A0054319712 or equivalent
- Brake line sealing washers × 6 — Use OEM specification
- ABS module mounting grommets × 3 — Use OEM specification
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Fluids
- DOT 4+ Brake Fluid — 2 qt
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
- Turn ignition off and remove key. Wait 5 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
- Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait additional 10 minutes
- Open hood and locate ABS hydraulic unit on left side of engine bay near fender
- Remove engine cover and left side engine compartment trim panels for access
- Place drip pan and absorbent material under ABS unit area
- Pump brake pedal 20-30 times with ignition off to depressurize hydraulic accumulator
Procedure
- 1Evacuate brake fluid from reservoirUse brake fluid evacuation tool to remove as much fluid as possible from the brake fluid reservoir. This minimizes spillage during brake line disconnection. Do not allow reservoir to completely empty during this process to prevent introducing air into lines prematurely.
- 2Disconnect electrical connectorsLocate the main ABS/ESP module electrical connector on top of the hydraulic unit. Press the locking tab and carefully disconnect the large multi-pin connector. On S65 AMG models, there is a secondary connector for the pressure sensor - disconnect this as well. Note connector orientation for reinstallation.
- 3Label and disconnect brake linesUsing a marker or tape, label all six brake lines connected to the ABS pump (four wheel circuits, one master cylinder feed, one return). Clean around each fitting with a wire brush. Using appropriate flare nut wrenches (10mm/11mm), carefully loosen and disconnect each brake line. Work slowly to avoid rounding off fittings. Immediately cap or plug open lines to prevent fluid loss and contamination.⚠Brake line fittings are made of soft metal and easily damaged. Use only proper flare nut wrenches, not standard open-end wrenches.
- 4Remove ABS pump mounting fastenersLocate the three mounting bolts securing the ABS hydraulic unit to its bracket. These are typically 13mm head bolts accessed from the top and front of the unit. Remove all three mounting bolts completely. Support the unit with one hand as you remove the final bolt.Torque specMounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
- 5Extract ABS hydraulic unitCarefully lift the ABS pump assembly straight up and out of the engine compartment. The unit sits on rubber mounting grommets which may stick. Tilt the unit slightly to maneuver it past surrounding components. Have shop towels ready as residual brake fluid will drain from the open ports. Place the old unit in drip pan.
- 6Prepare new ABS pump for installationRemove the new ABS pump from packaging and verify part number matches original unit. Install new sealing washers on all brake line ports. Verify all electrical connector seals are properly seated. Check that new rubber mounting grommets are installed in the bracket if removed with old unit.
- 7Install new ABS hydraulic unitGuide the new ABS pump into position in the mounting bracket, ensuring it seats properly on all three rubber grommets. Align the unit so brake line ports are accessible and properly oriented. Install the three mounting bolts finger-tight initially, then torque in a cross pattern to specification.Torque specMounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
- 8Reconnect brake linesStarting with the master cylinder feed line, thread each brake line into its correct port by hand to prevent cross-threading. Reference your labels from disassembly. Once all lines are hand-started, tighten each fitting to 15 Nm (11 lb-ft) using flare nut wrenches. Work in sequence from master cylinder feed to wheel circuits. Do not overtighten as this can damage fittings.⚠Cross-threaded brake line fittings will result in system failure. Always start fittings by hand and ensure smooth threading before using tools.
- 9Reconnect electrical connectorsReconnect the main ABS/ESP module connector to the hydraulic unit, ensuring it seats completely and the locking tab clicks into place. Reconnect the secondary pressure sensor connector. Verify connections are secure with a gentle tug.
- 10Refill brake fluid reservoirFill the brake fluid reservoir to the MAX line with fresh DOT 4+ brake fluid. Use only unopened containers to prevent moisture contamination. Keep reservoir filled above MIN throughout the bleeding process.
- 11Perform initial manual brake bleedingStarting with the wheel furthest from the ABS pump (right rear), bleed each wheel circuit in sequence: right rear, left rear, right front, left front. At each wheel, attach bleeder hose to bleeder screw, loosen screw, have assistant slowly depress brake pedal, tighten screw before pedal is released. Repeat until fluid runs clear without bubbles. Torque bleeder screws to specification.⚠Never allow brake fluid reservoir to run below MIN line during bleeding or severe air contamination will occur.Torque specBleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 12Reconnect battery and perform ABS system bleedingReconnect the negative battery terminal. Connect Mercedes-Benz Star Diagnostic Scanner. Navigate to ABS/ESP system and select 'Bleed Brake System' function. Follow on-screen prompts which will activate ABS pump motors and cycle solenoid valves. The scanner will direct bleeding sequence at each wheel. This process typically takes 15-20 minutes and may require 1-2 quarts of brake fluid.⚠️ABS system bleeding MUST be performed with factory diagnostic equipment. Failure to properly bleed ABS valves will result in reduced or complete brake failure in emergency situations.
- 13Clear fault codes and verify system operationUsing the diagnostic scanner, clear all ABS/ESP fault codes stored during the replacement procedure. Verify that no new faults are present. Check that ABS self-test completes successfully. Inspect all brake line connections for leaks with fluid still pressurized.
Reassembly
- Reinstall all engine compartment trim panels and engine cover removed during preparation
- Check brake fluid level one final time and top off to MAX line if needed
- Clean any spilled brake fluid from painted surfaces and components
- Verify all tools and materials are removed from engine compartment
Verification
- With engine running, verify ABS warning light extinguishes after initial self-test (approximately 3 seconds)
- Perform low-speed test drive in safe area and verify normal brake pedal feel and firmness
- Perform ABS activation test at 20-25 mph on dry pavement with hard braking - verify pulsation and proper ABS operation
- Re-check all brake line connections for leaks after test drive
- Using diagnostic scanner, verify no ABS/ESP fault codes are present and all system components show 'OK' status
- Check brake fluid level after test drive and confirm it remains at proper level
- Document repair and reset service interval for brake fluid if applicable