Air matic malfunction

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Old Oct 6, 2022 | 09:13 AM
  #1  
citizensane's Avatar
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From: St Louis
Merc CLS550
Air matic malfunction

2014 CLS 550--80K miles
For the past few months I have been waking up to the "vehicle rising" warning upon morning start up (only)--it's become a daily occurrence. For the past couple of weeks--I've taken a yard stick and measured each tire/wheel from ground to bottom fender edge. ut 27"
The measurements have become consistent and show that after rising--all four wheels are at about 27" to 271/4" ground to fender. With the passenger side front often starts (when cold prior to first start up) can be as low as 241/4 and on a few occasions at 27" (the car doesn't go into raise mode on those rare mornings). The drivers side front is can be as low as 26 1/2" but more often is at 27"
Thus my conclusion is that the passenger side front needs a new air shock (my understanding is that this model has four "air" shocks --one at each wheel (not positive that's the case)
If I'm correct on these "air shocks"--can just one be changed out--or do both fronts need to be changed?? (or all 4?)
Any advice is appreciated
thanks!
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Old Oct 6, 2022 | 11:54 AM
  #2  
konigstiger's Avatar
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From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Best to have someone pull codes using Xentry (MB diagnostics) for definitive diagnose, see function attachment. Reluctant to do so, leak test pressure lines to strut & valve unit @ compressor. If strut is failing internally given your mileage 80,000 > MB recommends replacing in pairs (front or rear). Here are MB RWD part #s to shop should also pull compatible Arnott aftermarket.


Attached Files
File Type: pdf
Check AIRmatic for leaks.pdf (403.3 KB, 127 views)
File Type: pdf
Up to 14 AIRmatic, function.pdf (132.3 KB, 312 views)
File Type: pdf
Airmatic front strut.pdf (301.8 KB, 155 views)
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Old Oct 6, 2022 | 11:58 AM
  #3  
citizensane's Avatar
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From: St Louis
Merc CLS550
thanks for the detailed reply! As it is just the one front strut that seems to be failing--can I get by with replacing both fronts but leaving the rears as is (wait for them to start failing)?
Not driving that much anymore--maybe 9K per year
appreciated
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Old Oct 6, 2022 | 12:21 PM
  #4  
konigstiger's Avatar
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From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Originally Posted by citizensane
As it is just the one front strut that seems to be failing--can I get by with replacing both fronts but leaving the rears as is (wait for them to start failing)?
Yes.
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Old Oct 10, 2022 | 08:42 AM
  #5  
click430's Avatar
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12 CLS 550, 65 Shelby 427 SC, 03 GMC Envoy
Be advised… if you replace the front struts/bags with the more affordable Arnot units, the feel is a bit mushy, no matter the mode selected.
Not bad, just not “firm” anymore
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Old Oct 10, 2022 | 09:35 AM
  #6  
citizensane's Avatar
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Merc CLS550
I'm letting my Indy guy buy the parts and pretty sure they'll be OEM. $625 each--$1200 per wheel total
thanks
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