Front Airmatic struts replaced, on the road again!
09-08-2021 | 09:13 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 21
Likes: 10
GL450
Front Airmatic struts replaced, on the road again!
Just replaced my front struts. The struts I replaced were re-manufactured Arnott's that were installed in 2017. I have just under 90K and the front suspension went "low rider" on me last week. I replaced the failed struts with a Cardone strut for less than $220.00 a piece. For piece of mind, I also replaced the distribution block and pump filter. The GL is handling well and soaks up road imperfections without issue with a noticeably firmer ride.
When the system first powered up, the pump ran until the accumulator filled to required pressure and the struts inflated to the correct height. Monitoring for the past week, system pressures have maintained 100% post strut and valve block replacement. Something I have noticed, when the door is opened the valve block will actuate to equalize the struts but the pump will not run. I am assuming this is an initialization check of the system. I did not need to have the system reset, and that's a good thing since I do not have the software of interface. I did purchase a pump as well, but I did not have to use it. I spent less than $750.00 for the repair. Pay particular attention to the air line connection torques and do not over tighten. Routing is especially important as well, be aware of sharp bend radius and chaffing issues that can cause leaks.
It's not a particularly difficult job, just a fair amount of disassembly and reassembly.
When the system first powered up, the pump ran until the accumulator filled to required pressure and the struts inflated to the correct height. Monitoring for the past week, system pressures have maintained 100% post strut and valve block replacement. Something I have noticed, when the door is opened the valve block will actuate to equalize the struts but the pump will not run. I am assuming this is an initialization check of the system. I did not need to have the system reset, and that's a good thing since I do not have the software of interface. I did purchase a pump as well, but I did not have to use it. I spent less than $750.00 for the repair. Pay particular attention to the air line connection torques and do not over tighten. Routing is especially important as well, be aware of sharp bend radius and chaffing issues that can cause leaks.
It's not a particularly difficult job, just a fair amount of disassembly and reassembly.
09-08-2021 | 11:14 AM
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,545
Likes: 620
Now just one GL450 with EORP.
Correct and well done - the car will level itself when any front door is opened with reservoir pressure only. The compressor will not run unless the car is running.
Did you or a PO install the Arnotts?
Did you or a PO install the Arnotts?
09-09-2021 | 07:37 AM
#3
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 21
Likes: 10
GL450
Hey Max,
The previous owner had the struts replaced. I purchased the GL this past January with 78K. A doctor owned the car before me and had the lions share of the maintenance work completed at MB. I'm a stickler about maintenance records. I'm an Aviation Maintenance engineer so MX records are essential for me to make a vehicle purchase decision. The GL has been a good vehicle, my preventative MX thus far has been engine, transmission and transfer case fluid / filter servicing, spark plug replacement. I replaced the SAM module for an erratic fuel indication in addition to the replacement front struts. I think the 4.6 liter, normally aspirated engine is the way to go. Don't get me wrong, the turbo version is a beast, but from a reliability standpoint the N.A version for me is the way to go. I believe the 2012 model is also a good choice because MB had refined the GL as best they could before introducing the 2013 forced induction model.
The previous owner had the struts replaced. I purchased the GL this past January with 78K. A doctor owned the car before me and had the lions share of the maintenance work completed at MB. I'm a stickler about maintenance records. I'm an Aviation Maintenance engineer so MX records are essential for me to make a vehicle purchase decision. The GL has been a good vehicle, my preventative MX thus far has been engine, transmission and transfer case fluid / filter servicing, spark plug replacement. I replaced the SAM module for an erratic fuel indication in addition to the replacement front struts. I think the 4.6 liter, normally aspirated engine is the way to go. Don't get me wrong, the turbo version is a beast, but from a reliability standpoint the N.A version for me is the way to go. I believe the 2012 model is also a good choice because MB had refined the GL as best they could before introducing the 2013 forced induction model.
