Does my blown airmatic front driver side airbag need to be changed with compressor?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
2012 GL 350
Does my blown airmatic front driver side airbag need to be changed with compressor?
Hi Folks.
I understand there are numerous threads around air matic suspensions on GL's. I've browsed through them but still can't figure out what parts I need for my specific scenario. I'm pretty diy friendly when it comes to cars but only worked on my BMW. My mom's GL driver side air bag has blown (checked and confirmed). Sounds like Arnott is the best option after oem. How can I confirm if I just need the air bag or if I need the compressor as well? Also, what's the best way to order Arnott products in Canada?
I came across
link on Amazon, I'm assuming this specific piece won't work alone. Would appreciate any guidance! I've got quotes from a few indy shops but before I tow it I was trying to get an idea if I can do it myself. Most indy shops are quoting $1500 cdn for the pump and strut which seems reasonable. I'm wondering if I can get away with just buying the strut and doing it myself.
Thanks for reading! Would appreciate any advice
I understand there are numerous threads around air matic suspensions on GL's. I've browsed through them but still can't figure out what parts I need for my specific scenario. I'm pretty diy friendly when it comes to cars but only worked on my BMW. My mom's GL driver side air bag has blown (checked and confirmed). Sounds like Arnott is the best option after oem. How can I confirm if I just need the air bag or if I need the compressor as well? Also, what's the best way to order Arnott products in Canada?
I came across
link on Amazon, I'm assuming this specific piece won't work alone. Would appreciate any guidance! I've got quotes from a few indy shops but before I tow it I was trying to get an idea if I can do it myself. Most indy shops are quoting $1500 cdn for the pump and strut which seems reasonable. I'm wondering if I can get away with just buying the strut and doing it myself.
Thanks for reading! Would appreciate any advice
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 625
Likes: 82
From: Germantown, MD
'07 GL450
Unless you've been driving with the blown air spring for a while, the compressor should still be fine.
Replacing the air spring is not difficult, however, you WILL need an impact wrench to remove/install the spring - and, if not done (tightened) properly you will end up with a loose spring, a clunking sound in your suspension, and ultimately have to replace it again.
To avoid the issue stated above, spend a few extra dollars to purchase the entire strut assembly for a much easier diy.
Replacing the air spring is not difficult, however, you WILL need an impact wrench to remove/install the spring - and, if not done (tightened) properly you will end up with a loose spring, a clunking sound in your suspension, and ultimately have to replace it again.
To avoid the issue stated above, spend a few extra dollars to purchase the entire strut assembly for a much easier diy.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,120
Likes: 784
NGL450 w/EORP, S550
Yeah, for you to just buy a complete strut swap it out. Like others have said your compressor hasn’t been pressurizing earths atmosphere through the leaky bag for long. It should still be OK but be prepared for it to fail.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 443
From: Melbourne, Australia
2010 ML550 VIN WDC1641722A564750, 2010 B180
As Max has said, the airbags leak before they burst, usually. What happens time and time again is that the airbag is replaced and then shortly after, the compressor fails. The compressors arent designed to continually inflate the airbag, but rather to top them up. So, if there's a leak, the compressor works much harder than it has to and eventually burns out.
If you need a compressor, the AMK brand is the OE equipment. Everything else is typically rubbish and avoid the chinese stuff on ebay you'll be dissapointed.
If you need a compressor, the AMK brand is the OE equipment. Everything else is typically rubbish and avoid the chinese stuff on ebay you'll be dissapointed.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 332
Likes: 70
2007 GL450
Compressor of my 2007 GL450 lasted till Jan 2021. It lasted through two round of replacement of front airbags and one round of replacement of the rear airbags. It might still work. I just replaced the compressor and manifold all together to solve an air suspension problem at that time.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 1,932
Likes: 291
From: Allentown, PA
'08 GL 320 CDI
You won't really know until you get the new air bag in there and see how the compressor sounds/works (and/or do a compressor test... but you need the computer software for that).
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Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 139
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From: Portland, OR
GL320 CDI
Also, the hot tip if these are original is to just replace both fronts at the same time. I had a leaky front strut and went the single route with an Arnott replacement and then 3wks later the other side went out. Could have saved shipping and tool time by just doing both at once. Pretty simple job. I did mine in my driveway with hand tools.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,120
Likes: 784
NGL450 w/EORP, S550
Also, the hot tip if these are original is to just replace both fronts at the same time. I had a leaky front strut and went the single route with an Arnott replacement and then 3wks later the other side went out. Could have saved shipping and tool time by just doing both at once. Pretty simple job. I did mine in my driveway with hand tools.
