air suspension problems
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 1,214
From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 1,932
Likes: 291
From: Allentown, PA
'08 GL 320 CDI
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.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 23
Likes: 6
From: Quebec
GL350 2012
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.
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 303
Likes: 75
From: s.f. bay area
s500 GL450 GL63 Z71XL Yukon 67 396 SS velle 68 Vert Camaro 69 RSSS Vert Camaro 75 Blazer
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
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 380
Likes: 59
From: Illinois
2019 Audi Q8, 2015 GL63, & 2005 E500W4
Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 116
Likes: 10
'08 GL320
[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..
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..
Trending Topics
Junior Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 36
Likes: 2
GL450
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.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 380
Likes: 59
From: Illinois
2019 Audi Q8, 2015 GL63, & 2005 E500W4
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.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 36
Likes: 2
GL450
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 380
Likes: 59
From: Illinois
2019 Audi Q8, 2015 GL63, & 2005 E500W4
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?
Junior Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 36
Likes: 2
GL450
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 380
Likes: 59
From: Illinois
2019 Audi Q8, 2015 GL63, & 2005 E500W4
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.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 36
Likes: 2
GL450
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?
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 380
Likes: 59
From: Illinois
2019 Audi Q8, 2015 GL63, & 2005 E500W4
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?
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
2007 GL 450
valve air block, has the six air tubes that come out if it. Located on fron passenger side next to bumper.
