amissere

I received a "maIfunction ^" message on my display out of nowhere. The front is low and the back is high. There is no SWOOSH sound when exiting the vehicle. since the malfunction message came on. I removed the panel under the passenger side wheel and exposed the airmatic compressor and valve block. The hose from the filter (the filter was filthy and installed in the wrong direction prior to my ownership) was severed less then 1/4" from the clamp that secured it to the compressor. I know it needs a new filter. I cut the damaged hose and secured it to the compressor. When I started the car, there was no difference in suspension. Upon startup again, I observed air coming forcefully from the bottom of the compressor. Even HVAC tape wasn't strong enough to seal it completely. I know I need a new compressor, as there is a hole in it. My question is, is there a hole in the compressor, because the valve block is clogged? Does it make sense that shortly after the hose from the filter detached that the compressor sucked in too much particulate matter for the valve block to handle, which led to backflow and a hole busting out of the compressor? Is it worth it t ojust change the compressor and see how it goes, or should I change the valve block as a matter of procedure anyway?

Max Blast

Do not start throwing parts at this. Recommend you read up on the airmatic posts that have been placed on this forum. Your compressor is likely shot, but what’s more likely is that you have a leak in your front air springs. So you need to go find and verify that you have a leak and replace the front air springs if so, then shortly there after replace the rear air springs.

texas008

I would replace both, if they've not been replaced.

Miguk_Saram

You know the compressor is bad, so start there.

To mitigate damaging other components and prevent contaminants from making their way to the valve block, avoid driving the vehicle until the compressor is replaced.

eric_in_sd

My esteemed colleagues on this forum - solid advice. OP, listen well to what they have told you.

Diamond Dave

FWIW, that "swoosh" sound might actually be a malfunction in the compressor air intake filter host. I had that pronounced noise for a long time, but had recently discovered that the air intake hose was fractured in several places. $160 part from Mercedes or $40 for a 3' hose + tiny filter. While you are replacing the compressor, inspect that hose as well.

eric_in_sd

One point: Install the filter "backwards" from what your intuition would tell you. The air flows in to the compressor slowly, and is released out rapidly.

I cannot think of a good reason a two dollar fuel filter would not do just fine keeping particulates out of the pump.