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I just replaced all 4 air bags (front and rear) and the compressor. I drive usually in the comfort mode. After driving a very quite ML around ( about two weeks) after rebuilt the front end started making noises going over bumps like I had a loose front strut. I ran the STAR system and it passed all the airtronic test. Here is the strange part: if I put the ML into the sport mode ( stiffen up the bags) the noise goes away. I called Arnott and talked to the techs.. they said it sounds like a bad strut BUT could not explain why the noise goes away with the Sport mode. Any thoughts or ideas??? Thanks Bill
Last edited by vesiadog; 04-17-2018 at 02:46 PM.
Reason: Mistake
If you put it into sport mode, it stiffens up the struts, not the bags!
I've got one exactly the same, although mine's an aerosus one from Germany! The dilemma is having to remove it and return it to them for inspection, what do I do in the meantime?
The pitfalls of buying non-genuine parts, I suppose.
I am looking for some experienced thoughts and knowledge for the front end. Of course before asking for help I went over all the work I did and checked the bolts . The struts felt fine when I changed over the bags. I would think if the struts were shot they would make noise in both modes sport and comfort.
Major would you be able to add some knowledge if I did not do the work? I am going to look over the front end bushings especially the stabilizer bar tonight.
Thanks for any added thoughts about noise in the front end. I did like the WIS trouble shooting methods of using Steelman sound setup. I found some nice wireless setups and just maybe I might have to buy a setup???
I am looking for some experienced thoughts and knowledge for the front end. Of course before asking for help I went over all the work I did and checked the bolts . The struts felt fine when I changed over the bags. I would think if the struts were shot they would make noise in both modes sport and comfort.
Major would you be able to add some knowledge if I did not do the work? I am going to look over the front end bushings especially the stabilizer bar tonight.
Thanks for any added thoughts about noise in the front end. I did like the WIS trouble shooting methods of using Steelman sound setup. I found some nice wireless setups and just maybe I might have to buy a setup???
Originally Posted by OUZO Power
You would be surprised. I had a clunk sound going over bumps on the right front in both modes.
Then I put lowering links and dropped the car another 1.5". The clunk went away. Don't ask me how or why.
Also check your end links or control arm bushings.
Starting to make more sense . Your lowering links ( adjustable positional links to the sensors right? ) dropped the ML. When I set my mode to sport it also drops it 1-1.5” and the noise clunking goes away. We our talking about hooking up a go pro and watching the components while driving. Static testing I can’t find anything wrong . Taking a large leverage bar and bouncing the tire, a arm etc up and down nothing looks or sounds odd. Something about lowering the bag on the front end on both our vehicles got rid of noise?? Thanks and I will keep trouble shooting.
Last edited by vesiadog; 04-18-2018 at 08:42 PM.
Reason: Mistake
Starting to make more sense . Your lowering links ( adjustable positional links to the sensors right? ) dropped the ML. When I set my mode to sport it also drops it 1-1.5” and the noise clunking goes away. We our talking about hooking up a go pro and watching the components while driving. Static testing I can’t find anything wrong . Taking a large leverage bar and bouncing the tire, a arm etc up and down nothing looks or sounds odd. Something about lowering the bag on the front end on both our vehicles got rid of noise?? Thanks and I will keep trouble shooting.
Yes. So all my modes are lower now. Sport and comfort. In both modes the sound has gone away. Again that doesn't mean its fixed. I'm just reporting on what the result was of lowering it with links.
OK after reading many W164 front end issues I decided to replace the Stabilizer insulators and the Stabilizer links. Once I had the old and new links in my hand I was positive I had the noisy part. Since I had ordered both links and insulators I changed all. Noise is gone and my 80k mile ML500 is riding quite again. Thanks for the tips .. my ML project has a complete air suspension rebuild, all fluids and filters, Stabilizer parts, OEM hitch, and ready to hit the road and pull my dog trailer for the upcoming pheasant season.
04-17-2018, 02:45 PM
