RaceTracks

2008 GL450 Skipping Sensation When Going Over Bumps

Hi Fellow GL'ers,

I have this 2008 GL450 for about 3 years, now the car feels very unstable when hitting bumps and potholes at speed.

Any ideas what is causing this?

stappin

Describe unstable? Wallowing at point of the bump or continued wallowing after the bump?

Have you tried the suspension button set to sport rather than comfort? Does that help? Are you getting any noises associated with the unstable motion (clunks or creaks)?

Fourdiesel

Mine does this too. Mostly when doing something like going over a bridge expansion joint. It seems to 'jump' sideways a bit depending on the curve in the road. The reading I have found indicated it may be due to wheel alignment (specifically camber) or even the bushings.

alx

Check your tire pressure.

Also observe if the truck is level (within half an inch on each side). Level calibration does not drift, but the height sensor levers tend to rust in their ball joints and freeze twisted or bent resulting in false readings resulting in crooked stance which results in the riding sensation you mentioned.

Lastly your stabilization main bushings (the two big bushings where the stabilization bar is attached to the frame) become softer resulting in diminished body roll control.

It could be many things but those are the usual suspects on the x164 platform.

YodaSyrup

Agreed, it's a good place to start. I usually notice my cars feel stiffer and harsher riding after I get an oil change or service. When I check the pressure, they tend to adjust them high for max load/liability. I put them back down to the advised pressure on the door sticker for a normal load and the car rides better/like I'm used to again.