Thanks for this forum....I have saved a boat load of money fixing things myself. I have an S430....The Airmatic Compressor went out...replaced the pump and relay....all seems fine...but the pump seems to come on a lot...also when I jack the front of the car I can hear a hissing noise as the air escapes from the shocks....when I lower back down the car it goes all the way down to the tires....only the front (both sides) lowers. when I turn the car on the pump rises it back to ride hieght. I don't have any problems when the car is sitting....no lowering, nothing. It just seems to come on a lot and raise the suspension when driving.

Do I have a shock leak...??

How do I find out which one is leaking??

Any help would be appreciated

BTW: I checked the top of the struts for cracks and I see nothing.

 

Every time you jack the front of the car or put the car on lift for repairs, once you done make sure you turn the car on before wheels hit the ground (Before car sits). It repressurise the system to avoid any damage to the struts.
Good luck.

 

yes, thats how it works when you lift and lower it.

 

i have allways been under the impression that you should not touch the ignition when the struts are extended on jackstands/chassis lift.once the vehicle is lowered and weight is back on the struts i allow it to settle for a few minutes and then i dont have to worry about stressing the airmatic system.

 

The proper procedure is to lower the car until the tires touch, and allow the struts to compress slightly; then restart the car. You don't need to let it settle all the way - especially if there is a leak.

 

i try my best to duplicate dealer technique/methods of maintaining the S.i should knock on wood when i say this but the car has been registered for 7 years and other than an EIS has been the most reliable MB i have ever owned.should i replace the airmatic pump filter based on time/miles?.61k highway miles,garaged,desert car,driven in the rain 6 times.

 

LOL, you cant turn it on when its hanging in the air...Unless you want damage.

You have to lower it on the ground then turn it on.