Air Ride Failure!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
GL450
Air Ride Failure!
Hi, having an issue with my Air struts and looking for some help. My Air compressor and front right strut were failing so I replaced both and had no issues for about 6 months. In the last month I have been getting the Air ride malfunction and it appeared that the front right strut was lower again but now the system has completely failed and none of the air struts are working? Would appreciate any suggestions before I start taking the car apart again! Thank you
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 48
Likes: 9
From: Ontario, Canada
2010 G37X
Hi, having an issue with my Air struts and looking for some help. My Air compressor and front right strut were failing so I replaced both and had no issues for about 6 months. In the last month I have been getting the Air ride malfunction and it appeared that the front right strut was lower again but now the system has completely failed and none of the air struts are working? Would appreciate any suggestions before I start taking the car apart again! Thank you
Check your fuses. I believe there are 2 40 amp fuses in the front fuse box and 1 15amp in the rear. Make sure none are blown.
Also, check the relays. Apparently there have been some cases of relays getting stuck on/off.
Id start with that and work your way up.
I actually ordered a mb scan tool from amazon to diagnose my air suspension on my newly acquired 2010 gl350. Front sagged and rear ok, with no compressor running. Turns out a 40 amp fuse was missing, and the rear 15amp was blown. Reinstalled new fuses and im back in business!
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 625
Likes: 82
From: Germantown, MD
'07 GL450
Remove the supply hose at the compressor and see what kind of air flow you are getting (connect a pressure gauge in its place for precision, if you have one).
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Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 48
Likes: 9
From: Ontario, Canada
2010 G37X
Without a scan tool it may be difficult to pinpoint where the malfunction is.
I bought one off amazon for around $200 cad thinking id need it. But its sitting in its box with the wrap still on lol. Im keeping it as i KNOW i will be having air ride issues in the future.
Could be a finnicky valve block still. If it was one wheel dropped i would say check the sensor on that wheel.
There is also a page on google which i began using to diagnose my airride system. That may help.
http://www.mercedesmedic.com/air-sus...isit-workshop/
Worth the read imo
I bought one off amazon for around $200 cad thinking id need it. But its sitting in its box with the wrap still on lol. Im keeping it as i KNOW i will be having air ride issues in the future.
Could be a finnicky valve block still. If it was one wheel dropped i would say check the sensor on that wheel.
There is also a page on google which i began using to diagnose my airride system. That may help.
http://www.mercedesmedic.com/air-sus...isit-workshop/
Worth the read imo
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 648
Likes: 144
From: Yeast Coast, Canada
GL550 X164
Without a scan tool it may be difficult to pinpoint where the malfunction is.
I bought one off amazon for around $200 cad thinking id need it. But its sitting in its box with the wrap still on lol. Im keeping it as i KNOW i will be having air ride issues in the future.
Could be a finnicky valve block still. If it was one wheel dropped i would say check the sensor on that wheel.
There is also a page on google which i began using to diagnose my airride system. That may help.
http://www.mercedesmedic.com/air-sus...isit-workshop/
Worth the read imo
I bought one off amazon for around $200 cad thinking id need it. But its sitting in its box with the wrap still on lol. Im keeping it as i KNOW i will be having air ride issues in the future.
Could be a finnicky valve block still. If it was one wheel dropped i would say check the sensor on that wheel.
There is also a page on google which i began using to diagnose my airride system. That may help.
http://www.mercedesmedic.com/air-sus...isit-workshop/
Worth the read imo
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 71
Likes: 29
Benz: 560 SEC, 2011 GL550 and other brands
Based on your symptoms, your compressor might be shot. Despite hearing it run, it might not be compressing the air (perhaps due to a crack in the enclosure), hence not delivering it to the air tank and not distributing to the springs. I would start there.
Remove the supply hose at the compressor and see what kind of air flow you are getting (connect a pressure gauge in its place for precision, if you have one).
Remove the supply hose at the compressor and see what kind of air flow you are getting (connect a pressure gauge in its place for precision, if you have one).
New comp it, everythign raises fine.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
GL450
Thank you! Quick update. I installed a new battery in the car. which was causing a lot of issues. The Air ride system seems to work fine for now but as soon as it gets warmer I going to replace the compressor and the valve block.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,755
Likes: 628
From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
The starter interacts with this, as a weak starter may pull a ton of current and accelerate the decline.
Both the starter and the battery should be replaced on first sign of trouble.
A leaky air bag will similarly precipitate decline in the air pump, by over-stressing it, so it should be replaced as soon as possible. If the leak is significant, I would put tire goo in the air bag, if possible. It's difficult with the rear but shouldn't be too hard for the front.
A weakening pump will give plenty of warning.
I'm puzzled by the valve block. It seems pretty robust. Some have suggested that corrosion inside the valves wrecks them; I'd guess that is a result of deficient moisture removal in the pump. Maybe that's a reason to not use a crummy Chinesium pump.
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