Airmatic (unknown/different issue)
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 194
Likes: 10
From: Orange, CA
'12 528i, '05 E320, '05 Jag XJ8L, '04 CLK500, '03 S600, '92 Jeep Briarwood, '79 Rolls Royce
Airmatic (unknown/different issue)
So I have a 2005 E320 with Airmatic.
I was pulling into a parking lot, put the car into park... then realized I forgot something and turned the car back on and put the car into reverse.
When I put the car into reverse I heard this squeaky noise, almost like a ball bearing was starting to go bad... I was kind of upset. I continued driving and swerved along the road for about 1/4 mile so I could try to hear where the squeaking was coming from exactly. After my 1/4 mile the car said "STOP CAR TOO LOW" and has said that ever since. Took it to the shop and their code reader says the strut is holding 0PSI while the rest were holding about 110PSI.
It was so random, there was no leakage prior to the deflation and I didn't hit anything or drive abnormally.
I heard that there was a seal that might not have closed--- but I already reset the codes ont he car by disconnecting both batteries for an hour.
I also took out the engine battery, the battery cradle, and the washer reservoir inn order to follow the air line and see if it was leaking on its way from the main pump. It wasn't. All I can hear is a steady PSSSSSSTTT of air coming from the strut whenever I unlock the car and/or turn it on.
If it makes a difference, it's the front-right strut.
Even when I jack the car up, it doesn't hold any air for any amount of time when I release the jack.
ALSO, I was wondering if someone had a video or something of that nature of what the airmatic pump is supposed to sound like? Every time, ever since I bought the car, the pump always made it sound she was growling at me. For the last 2.5 years of my ownership.
Thanks! & I look forward to your reply!
I was pulling into a parking lot, put the car into park... then realized I forgot something and turned the car back on and put the car into reverse.
When I put the car into reverse I heard this squeaky noise, almost like a ball bearing was starting to go bad... I was kind of upset. I continued driving and swerved along the road for about 1/4 mile so I could try to hear where the squeaking was coming from exactly. After my 1/4 mile the car said "STOP CAR TOO LOW" and has said that ever since. Took it to the shop and their code reader says the strut is holding 0PSI while the rest were holding about 110PSI.
It was so random, there was no leakage prior to the deflation and I didn't hit anything or drive abnormally.
I heard that there was a seal that might not have closed--- but I already reset the codes ont he car by disconnecting both batteries for an hour.
I also took out the engine battery, the battery cradle, and the washer reservoir inn order to follow the air line and see if it was leaking on its way from the main pump. It wasn't. All I can hear is a steady PSSSSSSTTT of air coming from the strut whenever I unlock the car and/or turn it on.
If it makes a difference, it's the front-right strut.
Even when I jack the car up, it doesn't hold any air for any amount of time when I release the jack.
ALSO, I was wondering if someone had a video or something of that nature of what the airmatic pump is supposed to sound like? Every time, ever since I bought the car, the pump always made it sound she was growling at me. For the last 2.5 years of my ownership.
Thanks! & I look forward to your reply!
Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 216
Likes: 2
From: Bristol, CT
06 S211 E500 4Matic
If it is your first time replacing your struts, then I'd say it's normal going by the age of your car. The air compressor comes on very seldom, that is if you have no leaks. It also sounds like a standard electrical air compressor. I believe the sound you are referring to is the sound of SBC pump, which is normal.
Sure, replacing 2 struts at a time is ideal, but you really don't have to if you can't.
Sure, replacing 2 struts at a time is ideal, but you really don't have to if you can't.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 15
From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
