vintrisa

What are some preventive things i can do for my mercedes gl450 air suspension problems?

BlownV8

Change every 75tk miles. Not sure if there anything you can do as a preventative measure. The struts will fail regardless.

DennisG01

If you're currently having problems, you're past the "preventative" phase.

The bags are rubber and rubber eventually goes bad. You could try regularly spraying them down with something like 303 Protectant. That's about the best protectant I can think of (marine industry). I'm not sure how long it will extend the rubber's life, but it can't hurt.

drakecoldwinter

One of the first steps you should do it's inform yourself and learn as much as you can about the airmatic system.

You can remove the front right wheel shield to acces the air pump and air lines distribution, check that all the pipes are in good shape, specially the rubber intake pipe, if old it can crack. If you have a lot of kilometers you can change the air pump intake filter, a clean filter will make your air pump life easier. You can also do a raise and lowering procedure while you check the pump and the lines for air leaks.

Next you can check the level sensors on all 4 wheels, the sensor itself is attached to a plastic arm, this arm can twist or be deformed easily, so verify the level sensors are in good shape.

Also while checking the level sensor you can visually inspect the air ballons, you can wash the ballons with soap water to check for leaks.

In the end, the best preventive measure it's to annually check the system (pump, air lines, level sensors, ballons, struts) if you see something anobmal, worn out, you can replace the part before it truly breaks preventing the damage.

angelglo

as what dennisg01 said, they will wear out. its almost like asking, "what preventative measures can I do for my tires". One thing you can do is start buying some tools and study up on how to change them yourself. It will save you time and money

SndsoftheSbrbs

This is the truth. Mine made it to 81k miles on my GL450. I had problems with my W211 E500W4 long before 80k miles, however.

johny75

[QUOTE= ....., specially the rubber intake pipe, if old it can crack. If you have a lot of kilometers you can change the air pump intake filter, a clean filter will make your air pump life easier.[/QUOTE]

Yep, check the rubber hoses, and replace filter, otherwise it will such gunk which goes into the piston/cylinder, then your compressor fails ... btw compressors fail anyway, mine went out at 110k miles with no broken hoses..

backdoc4you

Preventative? Don't take your GL offroad! I live in AZ where there is lots of offroad exploring to be done. Every time I take it offroad I cringe at the front end banging noises when the airshocks bottom out. I have gone through two Arnotts in less than two years with even very mild off road use. This suspension/wheel/tire set up is just not designed for it.

SndsoftheSbrbs

You really need the On/Off-road package if you are going to be taking the vehicle off-road. The On/Off-road package has a good reputation.

backdoc4you

I have it Yoni94. Same suspension though. It adds locking differentials which are nice in a different way. Front airshocks, wheels and tires would never allow full use of this vehicles potential capabilities.

SndsoftheSbrbs

Most reviewers and I would disagree with you on the front suspension and wheels. The tires, on the other hand, I can better understand. Why not purchase some tires manufactured for off-roading, if that is what you are looking for? Also, if you emphatically believe that the vehicle does not suit your lifestyle, why do you own it?

backdoc4you

Based on the thousands of reviewers (just look at the daily list of growing complaints on here as well as BenzWorld.org) *****ing about the front suspension, I would have to kindly disagree with you. I have heard the same, however, from Lexus LX owners as well as Range Rover owners about the air-suspension problems. I think the GL is a great on road vehicle with a good set up for winter weather...just not off road use other than some mud and graded dirt roads. I am currently searching for 20'' wheels to allow for more tire options and All terrain TA's KO are my first choice...just not available in 19'' radius.

SndsoftheSbrbs

I'm referring to professional reviewers, people who test a variety of different vehicles.

backdoc4you

Yoni94 Of course! Professional reviewers! People who get a new car and drive it for 2 days and spend 10 minutes off road on a designed "obstacle course". They certainly should know how these vehicles hold up long term. And regarding Arnott....the top of their home page states "we buy cores"...what do you think that means?

SndsoftheSbrbs

I am not sure what you do not understand about Arnott selling both brand new and remanufactured parts. You can typically purchase a more expensive brand new part from them, or you can purchase a less expensive remanufactured part from them. Many companies sell both brand new and remanufactured products. Apple sells new computers and phones, as well as 'refurbished' computers and phones. Arnott is the same. A quick search of Arnott products available for my 2011 W251 shows that I can purchase a brand new front air strut for $599.00, or I can purchase a remanufactured one for $494.27. All of their products are not remanufactured. Stop spreading this misinformation.

abtabor6

no, be prepared to spend money. Spent $3k this year on front struts, rear air bags, compressor, and now I need to replace the air valve block .

valve air block, has the six air tubes that come out if it. Located on fron passenger side next to bumper.