Suspension system failure

[Tony2001S430]

I purchased 4 reman struts ( 1500.00 ), and a complete front end control arm kit ( 500.00 ). I had it installed from a bubby of mine ( brake job included 1000.00 ).One of the stuts ( front passenger ) blew upon installation! He had to take it off and put one the old ones ( not leaking just routine change ) back on. Now the car won't raise in the front. I replaced the pump with a used one and another relay... still nothing . I'm so upset that I don't know what to do, one of the hardest things in life is to pay someone for something that you are not satified with. I have spent all that money, and now I can't even drive the car. I am not getting any alerts of " Car Too Low " all I get is Airmatic Visit Workshop and Vehicle Is Raising. Can someone please advise because I haven't a clue where to begin

To remove this ad, register today or login if you already are registered!

[s5benzo]

what year is your car ? what brand are the reman struts ? during installation did you damage any air lines?

[Tony2001S430]

my car is a 2001. The rear struts are Arnott, the front were purchased from buyautoparts. All i know is the car would not raise up and the mechanic loosened the passenger front airline to verify the air was going through, then he tightened back up and without the engine running, the strut blew, it sounded like a cannon went off.

[s5benzo]

after strut replacement was the vehicle lowered all the way down ? if so that could have caused damage to the air bags , causing it to blow . when the airmatic system is repaired or is left with no air in the system it is a must to lower the vehicle very slowly with little pressure on the wheels , start the vehicle, press the raise button and allow the airmatic to fill and then gradually lower as it fills the system with air. you need to get the fronts warrantied. they could have been defective out of the box , never know. goodluck

[Tony2001S430]

the car was low in the front ( tires rubbing fender ) but the back was never that low. luckily the struts were all warrantied and i have already returned shipped on the damaged one. i am waiting on another replacement as we text. unfortunately i can't ben the benz right now . how can i tell if i damaged the air lines?

[s5benzo]

im sure the air line is ok , most likely bad strut . next time dont lower the car all the way down to where the tires rub against the fenders. bring the car down to where it normally sit and then follow the procedure i described to you before.

[Tony2001S430]

i appreciate that info but why won't it raise now? i have one of the old ones back on the car in place of the one that blew.

[Tony2001S430]

is there a certain procedure or something i must do to get it to try to raise again? it's almost like my pump is in sleep mode or something. i was thinking maybe i should unplug the battery and remove the relay and fuse then raise the wheels off the ground to reset and then follow your procedure.