dacollector

i noticed this morning that the driver side both front and rear are sitting a bit lower than usual, i press the up button to pump the car up, only the right side goes up, then i noticed the front is trying to go up then down then up then down and sits at its normal height, i also notice as im going on a speed bump that i hear a "swooosh" like air is escaping from the front end.. is my front air strut dead? could it be the pump?

desired_speeds

its your front left strut

AMGAffalterbach

Left strut, +1. And for the record, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not run it in this condition if it's that bad and the front strut is leaking substantially. You'll ruin the pump by running it to much and your repair costs will just skyrocket from there.

homeofstone

If you have to replace strut do it in pairs and I suggest using Arnott lifetime warranty air strut.

AMGAffalterbach

Completely agree. If you can don't have the work done at the dealership, find an indie that will be willing to install the Arnott rebuilt lifetime warranty parts because they will last longer and be exponentially cheaper. After hitting a curb in ice, I had some work quoted at the dealer and it's about 5 times what an Indie would charge.

Taylor-Made'90

I just replaced my rear springs with a set from Airnott, back in November (right before Thanksgiving). I haven't had any issues with them and they were only $716 +tax and shipping. I had my front drivers air strut replaced at the dealer 4 years ago - $1500. Save money, go Indy and go Airnott.. :tup::tup:

dacollector

thanks all for the replys, also would a E55 front air strut work on a E500? i maybe able to get my hands on a set for 700, donor is a 05 E55.. aren't they basically the same?

homeofstone

A pair of new Arnott struts with lifetime warranty are about $750.00 U.S. for the pair.

dacollector

just went on arnott site, its 658 ea...

homeofstone

Here is link to Advance Auto parts which carry the Arnott's 400.99 each plus through today get 20% off on an online order. http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...hedFrom=header

I think you added the 200.00 core charge per shock. I turned mine in for the 200.00 each refund.

dacollector

so i ordered the front air strut from arnott, installed it , thanks to all the help on this forum, it was easier to just pop the upper ball joint to do the R&R.. however now , its been a week and i get this:



i don't have access to a star and they charge 90 bucks just to hook up... did anyone experience this before and know a fix?
the car is level, it raises and lowers like normal, i get the message as im driving...

homeofstone

Check your air lines for tight connections.

AMGAffalterbach

All I can think is a wiring/sensor issue as in a installation or fault. My question to you is, if you don't touch the car for a couple of days (if possible) will it deflate on that one strut? If so, then it would be an airline issue or something not connected securely.

vettdvr

Did you replace both struts?

dacollector

checked air line with spray bottle, no leaks, took bumper off and spray all the lines, all good, didn't leave the car for several days yet... , and i changed only the one side... thanks all for your help...

5sobs5

Why does everyone keep talking about replacing both sides? I replaced my left front only, 2 years ago almost 20K and no adverse effects.

AMGAffalterbach

You should replace them in pairs as they are wear parts. I know Arnott only sells the rear in pairs for this reason, but I'm not sure it's "required" or highly recommended for the front... I'm sure there wouldn't be any adverse effects if installed properly.

As for dacollector, if you ruled out a leak by doing the spray test it is probably something related to the ride height sensor, something to do with the wiring, maybe a faulty unit itself.