R-Class (W251) Produced 2006-2013: R320CDI, R350, R420CDI, R500

Rear suspension drop to low

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old 03-03-2017, 09:50 AM
  #1  
Member
Thread Starter
 
kevinchung's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
A160(Sold) C180(Sold), ML320(Dead! Sold) CDi, R300 CDi
Rear suspension drop to low

I had a 2011 R300cdi. Few months ago, I saw my car rear suspension dropped to very low. it raised back up when I started the engine.
I did not know it has air suspension.
It happened 2 more times since then.
The car seem normal after, do anyone know what's wrong with it and is it expensive to fix it?

Regards
Kevin
Old 03-06-2017, 12:35 PM
  #2  
Member
 
DukeBoy27's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
R350
Well, to confirm that it has airbag in the rear, just look at where you normally would find spring/struts... and if it is rubber bag in the shape of a black cylinder, you have air suspension.

If it drops, then raises when you start the car, likely there is a leak somewhere. There are a lot of threads on this forum that discuss this, since it is a rather common issue.

The leak can occur at the bag, or in one of the tubes that feed the bag. Also, there is auto-leveling, so sometimes it can be hard to tell which side is the culprit, as both sides will drop once one side drops.

Cost of fix will depend on what broke, and if you use OEM or aftermarket parts (I think
"Arnott" makes aftermarket bags at a discount vs. OEM), and if you go through the dealership or your own mechanic. Again, some of the threads here have more info.

Good luck fixing the problem!
Old 03-21-2017, 07:21 AM
  #3  
Member
Thread Starter
 
kevinchung's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
A160(Sold) C180(Sold), ML320(Dead! Sold) CDi, R300 CDi
I just got back the car from mechanic, he could not find any problem of the air bag.
He release all gas and let the car raise. the car is balance now. but in the morning after a whole night parked, it drop again. raise it up when engine start.
the mechanic said may be a compressor leaking inside, but cant tell unless I order a new one to replace it...

when should I do
Old 03-21-2017, 09:43 AM
  #4  
Junior Member
 
auto385's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Posts: 72
Received 9 Likes on 8 Posts
2015 Cadilac Escalade ESV, 2010 MB R350 Diesel
You can easily find any air leak if you use a tool normally used for a/c systems. It listens to the high pitched sound of air leaking out of a hole. In a/c systems you can find a leak of 1 lb a year. So an air leak from a air ride suspension would be easy.
Old 03-28-2017, 02:20 PM
  #5  
Member
 
JonMac's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 166
Received 14 Likes on 13 Posts
2002 C240 (W203) 2007 R500 (W251)
I think all R's have suspension airbag in the back. Only the front airbags are optional.
Same thing happened to me about 6 months ago... low on one side, but raises after car is started... compressor was fine so I took it to MB who confirmed that it was the airbag, quoted $1200 to replace.
I bought the arnotts airbag for $200 (there are much cheaper, starting about $80 but arnotts give a lifetime warranty) and installed it myself... isn't hard, there are a few youtube videos on how to do it yourself.
Your mechanic should be able to do it quite cheaply also. it's not a hard job. (compared to the front which is another story altogether).
Best of luck!
Old 04-20-2017, 09:28 PM
  #6  
Member
Thread Starter
 
kevinchung's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
A160(Sold) C180(Sold), ML320(Dead! Sold) CDi, R300 CDi
got the price of an Arnott rear air bag for $814(Australian dollars)
and I saw in Ebay, a lot of different 'unbranded' for only $200(Australian dollars).
Should I just go for a unbranded or an Arnott? Both of them offer 2 years warranty in Austalia(No life time warranty)

or any good brand brand?
Regards
Kevin
Old 04-20-2017, 09:45 PM
  #7  
Member
 
JonMac's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 166
Received 14 Likes on 13 Posts
2002 C240 (W203) 2007 R500 (W251)
Heya mate,
ex-pat aussie myself ... now in the US ...
if i had to choose, i'd go the cheaper route because thats a big price difference and you're still not 100% sure if it's a line/hose or compressor?
as for an alternative brand... sorry i couldn't say
best of luck!
Jon

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.

Quick Reply: Rear suspension drop to low



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:51 PM.