Mercedes-Benz GL350 airmatic malfunction
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GL350
Mercedes-Benz GL350 airmatic malfunction
I have a MB GL350 2011 and I was driving offroad in Australia. Continuously passing river crossings and pumping the car up to offroad level 3 and letting air out back to normal highway level a few times. Sometimes the compressor mentioned cooling down but it still worked. After a while I was driving on normal level sand and suddenly the complete body of the car sunk down to my tires. The complete airmatic system (air suspension system) collapsed with all four wheels touching the wheel arch / wheel housing. The car shows the malfunction sign in the dashboard. Compressor has been replaced two years ago, one of the airmatic bags was replaced last January and the other three have been replaced over the last 5 years (what the previous owner told me). Anyone have any idea what the problem could be and how I could solve this? Cheers
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GL350
Hi Max, thanks for your quick reply. With air intake do you mean the hose that sucks air into the compressor that is damaged or the compressor itself? Is the valve block inside the compressor as well? Thanks
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From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
Maybe it is just the compressor leaking internally, so when the system goes to adjust ride height, air leaks from the springs out the compressor, but it could be complete valve block failure. Start with the compressor, and inspect carefully the compressor air intake hose. That hose has a tendency to break at the compressor, allowing dirty air to get sucked in, quickly wearing the compressor (and fouling the dryer). These two and the valve block are three separate components.
Check the air springs for leaks. See the other current thread for discussion of why the whole system needs to be carefully maintained, and why it is important to use the highest quality components.
Check the air springs for leaks. See the other current thread for discussion of why the whole system needs to be carefully maintained, and why it is important to use the highest quality components.
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NGL450 w/EORP, S550
the compressor and valve block are two separate parts
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GL350
Maybe it is just the compressor leaking internally, so when the system goes to adjust ride height, air leaks from the springs out the compressor, but it could be complete valve block failure. Start with the compressor, and inspect carefully the compressor air intake hose. That hose has a tendency to break at the compressor, allowing dirty air to get sucked in, quickly wearing the compressor (and fouling the dryer). These two and the valve block are three separate components.
Check the air springs for leaks. See the other current thread for discussion of why the whole system needs to be carefully maintained, and why it is important to use the highest quality components.
Check the air springs for leaks. See the other current thread for discussion of why the whole system needs to be carefully maintained, and why it is important to use the highest quality components.
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GL350
Hey Sallad, I did a check: I started the car (compressor starts running automatically of course), then I sprayed soapy water on the compressor/ valve block and on the valve block it showed the formation of bubbles. I think there is a leak between the compressor and the valve block (maybe O-ring damaged/broken/worn) causing no pressure built up as air is released via that way. With this information what would you say? Buy a new valve block or do more testing before buying a new valve block? Cheers
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GL350
Hey Max, I did a check: I started the car (compressor starts running automatically of course), then I sprayed soapy water on the compressor/ valve block and on the valve block it showed the formation of bubbles. I think there is a leak between the compressor and the valve block (maybe O-ring damaged/broken/worn) causing no pressure built up as air is released via that way. With this information what would you say? Buy a new valve block or do more testing before buying a new valve block? Cheers
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NGL450 w/EORP, S550
Hey Max, I did a check: I started the car (compressor starts running automatically of course), then I sprayed soapy water on the compressor/ valve block and on the valve block it showed the formation of bubbles. I think there is a leak between the compressor and the valve block (maybe O-ring damaged/broken/worn) causing no pressure built up as air is released via that way. With this information what would you say? Buy a new valve block or do more testing before buying a new valve block? Cheers
if you’re seeing bubbles on the valve block and you’ve done nothing with it, then yes - it or the or the sealing surface is abraded to the point to leaks.
have you checked the integrity of the air intake filter and hose?
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From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
Hey eric, I did a check: I started the car (compressor starts running automatically of course), then I sprayed soapy water on the compressor/ valve block and on the valve block it showed the formation of bubbles. I think there is a leak between the compressor and the valve block (maybe O-ring damaged/broken/worn) causing no pressure built up as air is released via that way. With this information what would you say? Buy a new valve block or do more testing before buying a new valve block? Cheers
You could replace parts, but if the air line is leaking, that won't help.
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NGL450 w/EORP, S550
