GL Class (X164) 2007-2012: GL320CDI, GL420CDI, GL450, GL550

Suspension Level sensor arm

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Old 02-24-2017, 06:23 PM
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'08 GL 320 CDI
Suspension Level sensor arm

I'm starting to get the front end (usually just the front, right) droop. I've read plenty about that and don't really have a question about that. Other than, and this is strange, it only seems to happen (but not all the time and not quickly) after I back up to park the truck. Pulling forward, so far, doesn't cause the droop. Weird!

But, I've also noticed that the front, right side is consistently almost an inch lower than the front, left side (measured to wheel well lip). Even immediately after parking/turning engine off. The level arm "link" on the right side is softer - almost rubbery - than the left side. But the left side isn't "hard" nylon/plastic, either.

Are your "links" hard or do they bend somewhat? I'm wondering if the right side is overly soft and flexible, maybe it's not acting on the actual sensor properly.


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Old 02-24-2017, 06:42 PM
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they bend.

grab them in the middle and twist a bit to see if the balljoints move freely.

if they dont - remove (be careful not to break the lever plastic arm as it will be stuck on), clean up and lubricate with grease. reinstall and make sure they move freely in all directions.
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Old 02-24-2017, 07:21 PM
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Thanks, Alx. They do move on the ball joints, although I can tell they don't move smoothly. They just twist/pop off, right? I'll still remove, clean and lube as it's good PM, anyways. I was thinking of spraying some silicone lube at the pivot point on the sensor, too.
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Old 02-24-2017, 10:12 PM
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Ugh... you can twist the end connected to the chassis ball joint. Do not twist the lever end ball joint as you break the plastic lever arm. Use a suitable open wrench (10 if memory serves me right) to snug it between the lever arm and the link and pry it away.
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Old 02-24-2017, 10:42 PM
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Got it - makes sense. It looks a lot like the joints used on RC car tie rods, steering, etc. Thanks again!

What do you think about the front end (sometimes just right side, sometimes both left and right) drooping (air bags) ONLY when turning the engine off after BACKING UP? It's not all the time, but so far it has NEVER happened after pulling in forward. Is it too strange to explain?

Last edited by DennisG01; 02-24-2017 at 10:44 PM.
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Old 07-13-2020, 10:20 PM
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2012 GL350 Bluetec
Thank for this posting

This worked for me. I wish I did not replace the air valve and relay switch 1st. I don't think there was anything wrong with those. That said, the replacement part are expensive for a few little pieces of plastic. At least here in Canada.
Old 07-14-2020, 02:21 PM
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Forgot about this thread till you posted, Mo! Just as a follow up - all has been well since cleaning and greasing the ball joints.
Old 07-14-2020, 03:54 PM
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It is OK but not totally solved

Originally Posted by DennisG01
Forgot about this thread till you posted, Mo! Just as a follow up - all has been well since cleaning and greasing the ball joints.
Yes. However the rust has damaged the joints so a replacement is needed. Now I have to check it each time I get a chance and clean it with pressured air and apply WD40 if rusty.
Old 07-14-2020, 08:39 PM
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Why not use grease as mentioned above? WD40 is almost useless for things like this.
Old 07-15-2020, 09:45 AM
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Now just one GL450 with EORP.
Grease will eventually attract more grit, seizing the sensor socket joints.

they are supposed to be dry - if they are so scratched up that they bind it is time to replace.
Old 07-15-2020, 09:50 AM
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'08 GL 320 CDI
Originally Posted by Max Blast
Grease will eventually attract more grit, seizing the sensor socket joints.

they are supposed to be dry - if they are so scratched up that they bind it is time to replace.
It would. But the dirt tends to stay on the outside layer of the grease. When I've checked/cleaned them since, it's always clean grease on the inside.
Old 11-21-2020, 10:23 AM
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2008 GL 320 CDI
Received this estimate today. Please advise what Should I tell the service advisor to

“Estimate:

Diagnosis: $165 plus hst

Oil Cooler Seals with Intakes and EGR (If necessary) – $4600 plus hst installed

Fuel Lines to Fuel Filter – $260 plus hst installed (when doing the oil cooler repair)

Vacuum Pump – $905 plus hst installed

Oil Change (Must be completed after oil cooler seal repair) – $325 plus hst

Level Sensor Links (Seized) – $575 plus hst installed

Please Advise

Thank You “

Some history on the vehicle. This vehicle is maintained at MB 99percent of the time. This September they did the oil and transmission update will oils change. Vehicle can home and few weeks later I see oil drip in the driveway. What do I do. Please advise?.





Originally Posted by DennisG01
I'm starting to get the



front end (usually just the front, right) droop. I've read plenty about that and don't really have a question about that. Other than, and this is strange, it only seems to happen (but not all the time and not quickly) after I back up to park the truck. Pulling forward, so far, doesn't cause the droop. Weird!

But, I've also noticed that the front, right side is consistently almost an inch lower than the front, left side (measured to wheel well lip). Even immediately after parking/turning engine off. The level arm "link" on the right side is softer - almost rubbery - than the left side. But the left side isn't "hard" nylon/plastic, either.

Are your "links" hard or do they bend somewhat? I'm wondering if the right side is overly soft and flexible, maybe it's not acting on the actual sensor properly.


Old 11-24-2020, 10:25 AM
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advise on what? the repairs are typical for the gl... except the vacuum pump which is a fluke rather than common statistics.

not going to comment on the pricing since you are in canada





Old 11-24-2020, 07:41 PM
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Now just one GL450 with EORP.
If you can’t do it yourself then you’re pretty much relegated to paying for these repairs...

how much oil is a drip?

and since you’re Canadian no idea on pricing.

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