W211 Airmatic problems
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2021
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Likes: 2,046
From: US
2008 E350, 2012 ML350, 2014 E350, 2015 ML350
This post has a nice document about airmatic for the S-W220, worth reading completely. If in a hurry, you may jump to section 9, and return to the earlier sections as references are made.
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...ml#post7690804
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...ml#post7690804
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 33
Likes: 3
W202 S211
I'm thinking about changing both rear struts and use the old ones for research purposes I'd like to try dissasemble them and learn how they work on the inside. If the computer can see leak in the pressure lines (like i had before) it means pressure lines should be good so the problem must be in the struts. Well checking connections to the struts wouldn't harm.
But if there was a leak in the rear pressure lines near struts I think both struts would drop becouse they share the same air in airlines, until air gets into the strut becouse rear distributor has no valve at all and same air goes into both rear struts (please correct me if I'm wrong). Unless there is a leak in rear left Additional air reservoir (Ans yes those are not Arnott struts yet)
If that is the case that leak is in the airbag itself I'm surprised that when I went to the dealers they have not found any leaks.
But if there was a leak in the rear pressure lines near struts I think both struts would drop becouse they share the same air in airlines, until air gets into the strut becouse rear distributor has no valve at all and same air goes into both rear struts (please correct me if I'm wrong). Unless there is a leak in rear left Additional air reservoir (Ans yes those are not Arnott struts yet)
If that is the case that leak is in the airbag itself I'm surprised that when I went to the dealers they have not found any leaks.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 2,528
Likes: 2,046
From: US
2008 E350, 2012 ML350, 2014 E350, 2015 ML350
Did you read the article for the W220? It is full of useful information, and on how to check the struts in isolation. I have a hard time buying parts w/o knowing ahead of the time it is replacing a broken part.
The leak may not be in the line, but that does not mean both struts are leaking. In fact, it does even mean any of them is leaking.
Have you done the soapy test for a leak or the microphone test for the hissing sound around the struts or the reservoirs (another degree of failure)? As I (and others previously) mentioned earlier, try not to throw parts at it to see what sticks.
The leak may not be in the line, but that does not mean both struts are leaking. In fact, it does even mean any of them is leaking.
Have you done the soapy test for a leak or the microphone test for the hissing sound around the struts or the reservoirs (another degree of failure)? As I (and others previously) mentioned earlier, try not to throw parts at it to see what sticks.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 33
Likes: 3
W202 S211
I have not read it yet. I will do when I'm back home. I highly doubt that I will be able to hear any hissing sounds if car drops only 17mm in 12 hours. But I will try to find the leak.
The reason why I want to change rear struts is that from what I know it's best to change them in pairs and cold time of the year is pretty close so I wouldn't want to wait untill they blow completely in wintertime. Becouse as far as I know if there is a leak in the strut it will even get worse when it gets colder.
I will read the article and I will try to do some research on that when I'm back home.
The reason why I want to change rear struts is that from what I know it's best to change them in pairs and cold time of the year is pretty close so I wouldn't want to wait untill they blow completely in wintertime. Becouse as far as I know if there is a leak in the strut it will even get worse when it gets colder.
I will read the article and I will try to do some research on that when I'm back home.
