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

2011 gl450 left rear hissing and sags

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old 02-17-2019, 07:11 PM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Jbchouinard's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: NEW YORK
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
2011 GL 450
2011 gl450 left rear hissing and sags

Left rear tire area can hear hissing and sags. Took to a shop to get on lift and look for leak. Lifted up to level 3 while on lift. Sprayed bag with water no bubbles, bag full and no hissing at all. 2011 gl450 on post lift running and no issues. Set GL down on shop floor, and stayed perfect in ride height 3. Put back in normal ride height with no issues. As soon as he backed it out of shop the left rear dropped and hissing.

Last edited by Jbchouinard; 02-18-2019 at 07:59 AM. Reason: has ADS
Old 02-18-2019, 01:03 AM
  #2  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Max Blast's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,372
Received 577 Likes on 486 Posts
Now just one GL450 with EORP.
You have a leaking air bag.
They're cheap and easy to replace, even for a DIYer.
Old 02-18-2019, 06:01 AM
  #3  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Jbchouinard's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: NEW YORK
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
2011 GL 450
Originally Posted by Max Blast
You have a leaking air bag.
They're cheap and easy to replace, even for a DIYer.
no leak was found in the bag
Old 02-18-2019, 08:11 AM
  #4  
Member
 
ccrobin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 141
Received 37 Likes on 28 Posts
2017 GLE 350, 2013 GL 450
Originally Posted by Jbchouinard
no leak was found in the bag
How did you determine the bag was not leaking?

I had an E series a few years ago and while I was unable to find a leak in the bag, it was the issue.It only seemed to leak under certain conditions, which complicated the troubleshooting. When I ordered the new air bags I was convinced the leak was somewhere else, but the new bags fixed it.

Does the suspension go up when the engine is running and only sag once stopped? If so, my money would be on the bag. The E series bags have a schrader type valve on the inlet, so once filled it should not lose pressure unless there is a leak. I cannot confirm at this point, but I would be really surprised if the GL bags were not the same design.

I would be sure to get it addressed soon though. Many think that if it fills when the engine is running they can delay the repairs - but a small leak will only turn into a larger leak. If it goes out on you while driving (or at a place where you can't do the repairs) you will be forced to have it towed. Also the on-board air compressor is not designed to run constant. If it is continually having to replace air leaking from your system you will burn it out pretty quickly - only adding another expense. Leaks from the lines and distribution blocks are not common, and usually due to physical damage. It is almost always the bag being defective.

Also be aware, you likely will need to replace both sides at the same time to avoid an Airmatic error message.The onboard diagnostics seems to expect these to be paired.

I haven't replaced the air suspension on my GL yet, but on my E series it only took about 30 minutes per side to replace.

Good luck!
Old 02-18-2019, 08:16 AM
  #5  
Member
 
carlosrg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Buford, Ga
Posts: 154
Received 15 Likes on 12 Posts
2011 GL350
JB you have 1 of two issues.. the feed line to the bag is leaknig or the bag is leaking at certain positions. You will not get around that simple fix, replace the bag install new bag conenctor call it it a day :-)
Old 02-18-2019, 08:26 AM
  #6  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Jbchouinard's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: NEW YORK
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
2011 GL 450
Originally Posted by carlosrg
JB you have 1 of two issues.. the feed line to the bag is leaknig or the bag is leaking at certain positions. You will not get around that simple fix, replace the bag install new bag conenctor call it it a day :-)
No leak found in any position with my ride height and sport/com on or off when on the lift (GL running) lowered off the post lift and sat perfect with no leaks, dropped to position 2 , 1 and normal ride height with no leaks. once put in gear to back out of garage sag starts and hissing noise. cant get under it quick enough (while safe) while hissing is going on . i parked in garage over night and both rears are down
Old 02-18-2019, 08:47 AM
  #7  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
kombifan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Bethesda, MD
Posts: 1,216
Received 148 Likes on 135 Posts
2010 Mercedes GL450; 2000 Mercedes ML55 AMG; 2016 VW GLI SEL Stick!!!
Originally Posted by Jbchouinard
No leak found in any position with my ride height and sport/com on or off when on the lift (GL running) lowered off the post lift and sat perfect with no leaks, dropped to position 2 , 1 and normal ride height with no leaks. once put in gear to back out of garage sag starts and hissing noise. cant get under it quick enough (while safe) while hissing is going on . i parked in garage over night and both rears are down
you have a leak.
Old 02-18-2019, 08:48 AM
  #8  
Member
 
ccrobin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 141
Received 37 Likes on 28 Posts
2017 GLE 350, 2013 GL 450
Originally Posted by Jbchouinard
No leak found in any position with my ride height and sport/com on or off when on the lift (GL running) lowered off the post lift and sat perfect with no leaks, dropped to position 2 , 1 and normal ride height with no leaks. once put in gear to back out of garage sag starts and hissing noise. cant get under it quick enough (while safe) while hissing is going on . i parked in garage over night and both rears are down
This was the exact symptoms on mine. It drove me nuts. Sometimes I would go for a few days without issue. Then would come out after it was parked for a few hours and found it sagging. Don't think just because it does not leak all the time that eliminates the bag. I was reluctant to believe it could be as I thought it would either leak all the time or not. I realize it defies logic, but it really sounds like your bags are the culprit.
Old 02-18-2019, 08:51 AM
  #9  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Jbchouinard's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: NEW YORK
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
2011 GL 450
Originally Posted by ccrobin
This was the exact symptoms on mine. It drove me nuts. Sometimes I would go for a few days without issue. Then would come out after it was parked for a few hours and found it sagging. Don't think just because it does not leak all the time that eliminates the bag. I was reluctant to believe it could be as I thought it would either leak all the time or not. I realize it defies logic, but it really sounds like your bags are the culprit.
I plan on changing out both bags hoping its not the block
Old 02-18-2019, 08:55 AM
  #10  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Jbchouinard's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: NEW YORK
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
2011 GL 450
Originally Posted by ccrobin
How did you determine the bag was not leaking?

I had an E series a few years ago and while I was unable to find a leak in the bag, it was the issue.It only seemed to leak under certain conditions, which complicated the troubleshooting. When I ordered the new air bags I was convinced the leak was somewhere else, but the new bags fixed it.

Does the suspension go up when the engine is running and only sag once stopped? If so, my money would be on the bag. The E series bags have a schrader type valve on the inlet, so once filled it should not lose pressure unless there is a leak. I cannot confirm at this point, but I would be really surprised if the GL bags were not the same design.

I would be sure to get it addressed soon though. Many think that if it fills when the engine is running they can delay the repairs - but a small leak will only turn into a larger leak. If it goes out on you while driving (or at a place where you can't do the repairs) you will be forced to have it towed. Also the on-board air compressor is not designed to run constant. If it is continually having to replace air leaking from your system you will burn it out pretty quickly - only adding another expense. Leaks from the lines and distribution blocks are not common, and usually due to physical damage. It is almost always the bag being defective.

Also be aware, you likely will need to replace both sides at the same time to avoid an Airmatic error message.The onboard diagnostics seems to expect these to be paired.

I haven't replaced the air suspension on my GL yet, but on my E series it only took about 30 minutes per side to replace.

Good luck!
Been a on and off issue until this past we weeks i get the "cooling down" on longer rides. im changing the bags. ty
Old 02-18-2019, 10:21 AM
  #11  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
kombifan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Bethesda, MD
Posts: 1,216
Received 148 Likes on 135 Posts
2010 Mercedes GL450; 2000 Mercedes ML55 AMG; 2016 VW GLI SEL Stick!!!
Originally Posted by Jbchouinard
Been a on and off issue until this past we weeks i get the "cooling down" on longer rides. im changing the bags. ty
the reason most people say change the bags right away is the reason yiure getting the cooling down message.

Most people on here want to help and help you avoid an even bigger expense; the compressor.
Since you have been driving your car, and you have now been getting the cooling down messages you are at risk of having damaged the compressor; which is more expensive.

Try to replace the bags sooner than later to save that compressor.
Old 02-18-2019, 10:27 AM
  #12  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Jbchouinard's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: NEW YORK
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
2011 GL 450
Originally Posted by kombifan

the reason most people say change the bags right away is the reason yiure getting the cooling down message.

Most people on here want to help and help you avoid an even bigger expense; the compressor.
Since you have been driving your car, and you have now been getting the cooling down messages you are at risk of having damaged the compressor; which is more expensive.

Try to replace the bags sooner than later to save that compressor.
parked in garage and new arnott bags on order
Old 02-18-2019, 11:04 AM
  #13  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
DennisG01's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Allentown, PA
Posts: 1,825
Received 274 Likes on 240 Posts
'08 GL 320 CDI
When you start moving the vehicle, the bag flexes in a different way than when the car is just sitting still.
Old 02-18-2019, 01:06 PM
  #14  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Jbchouinard's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: NEW YORK
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
2011 GL 450
Originally Posted by DennisG01
When you start moving the vehicle, the bag flexes in a different way than when the car is just sitting still.
Good point, ty... ordered bags
Old 02-26-2019, 01:10 PM
  #15  
Newbie
 
dmiller00's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
GL 450
I own a 2009 gl 450 that, once I park, you here hissing noises. Now, I have a 'malfunction' message with arrows pointing up. Would that be the bags?
Old 02-26-2019, 01:13 PM
  #16  
Member
 
ccrobin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 141
Received 37 Likes on 28 Posts
2017 GLE 350, 2013 GL 450
Originally Posted by dmiller00
I own a 2009 gl 450 that, once I park, you here hissing noises. Now, I have a 'malfunction' message with arrows pointing up. Would that be the bags?
That is the most likely culprit. Is the vehicle sagging after sitting a while?
Old 02-26-2019, 02:51 PM
  #17  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
DennisG01's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Allentown, PA
Posts: 1,825
Received 274 Likes on 240 Posts
'08 GL 320 CDI
deleted
Old 02-26-2019, 04:43 PM
  #18  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Jbchouinard's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: NEW YORK
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
2011 GL 450
Originally Posted by dmiller00
I own a 2009 gl 450 that, once I park, you here hissing noises. Now, I have a 'malfunction' message with arrows pointing up. Would that be the bags?
was my issue, i got 2 new arnott bags and replaced both. now ill do the shocks once i get a deal on some good ones for ADS
Old 02-28-2019, 08:39 AM
  #19  
Member
 
ccrobin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 141
Received 37 Likes on 28 Posts
2017 GLE 350, 2013 GL 450
Originally Posted by Jbchouinard
was my issue, i got 2 new arnott bags and replaced both. now ill do the shocks once i get a deal on some good ones for ADS
Glad to hear!

How long did the job take? I've not had to replace them on my 2012 GL350 yet, but I'm at 125K so I'm sure its in my near future.
Old 02-28-2019, 08:45 AM
  #20  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Jbchouinard's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: NEW YORK
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
2011 GL 450
Originally Posted by ccrobin
Glad to hear!

How long did the job take? I've not had to replace them on my 2012 GL350 yet, but I'm at 125K so I'm sure its in my near future.
about a hour
Old 02-28-2019, 09:15 AM
  #21  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
kombifan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Bethesda, MD
Posts: 1,216
Received 148 Likes on 135 Posts
2010 Mercedes GL450; 2000 Mercedes ML55 AMG; 2016 VW GLI SEL Stick!!!
Originally Posted by Jbchouinard
was my issue, i got 2 new arnott bags and replaced both. now ill do the shocks once i get a deal on some good ones for ADS
do you have ads?
Old 02-28-2019, 09:16 AM
  #22  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Jbchouinard's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: NEW YORK
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
2011 GL 450
Originally Posted by kombifan

do you have ads?
I sure do
Old 02-28-2019, 09:17 AM
  #23  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
kombifan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Bethesda, MD
Posts: 1,216
Received 148 Likes on 135 Posts
2010 Mercedes GL450; 2000 Mercedes ML55 AMG; 2016 VW GLI SEL Stick!!!
Originally Posted by Jbchouinard
I sure do
that's awesome!

😕 I was hoping you found a way to retrofit them.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.

Quick Reply: 2011 gl450 left rear hissing and sags



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:05 PM.