Front airmatic strut problems after replacing with Arnott struts. Please help!!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 6
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2002 S500
Front airmatic strut problems after replacing with Arnott struts. Please help!!
Hey guys, this is my first post but I’ve been reading the forum for a while. Also, I promise I did a search before posting 
So here’s my question:
I’ve got a 2002 W220 w/out 4matic and w/out ABC. One of my front OEM struts went out so I replaced them with (2) Arnott Industries front struts (their new version, not the refurbished ones). The struts went in easy but I’ve encountered a few problems after the install:
1.) I have an error message on the dash that is white and says “airmatic visit shop” with an arrow pointing up
2.) The steering feels completely different, as if the power steering lost half it’s power
3.) The car is riding like it’s high and the ride is really stiff
4.) The ABS light is on
Does anyone have any suggestions on what I should do? Should I have replaced the relays too, if so which ones? The compressor was fine so I didn’t change that. Is there a trick to reset the ECU (other than turning the steering right/left). If I have to take it to the shop I will, I just don’t want to get ripped off and of course if it’s something I can do myself I rather would. Thanks in advance for any advice!!
So here’s my question:I’ve got a 2002 W220 w/out 4matic and w/out ABC. One of my front OEM struts went out so I replaced them with (2) Arnott Industries front struts (their new version, not the refurbished ones). The struts went in easy but I’ve encountered a few problems after the install:
1.) I have an error message on the dash that is white and says “airmatic visit shop” with an arrow pointing up
2.) The steering feels completely different, as if the power steering lost half it’s power
3.) The car is riding like it’s high and the ride is really stiff
4.) The ABS light is on
Does anyone have any suggestions on what I should do? Should I have replaced the relays too, if so which ones? The compressor was fine so I didn’t change that. Is there a trick to reset the ECU (other than turning the steering right/left). If I have to take it to the shop I will, I just don’t want to get ripped off and of course if it’s something I can do myself I rather would. Thanks in advance for any advice!!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,473
Likes: 439
From: Ball Ground, GA (N of Atlanta)
2003 S500 2007 GL450
No personal knowledge, but there have been several posts that blame wheel speed sensors for such problems.
One of the basic principles of troubleshooting a problem is to ask, "What was the last thing that you did to the car?" I would start by checking the wiring to the front wheel speed sensors and level sensors.
One of the basic principles of troubleshooting a problem is to ask, "What was the last thing that you did to the car?" I would start by checking the wiring to the front wheel speed sensors and level sensors.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,949
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From: Clifton, NJ
96 and 08 911 turbos
No personal knowledge, but there have been several posts that blame wheel speed sensors for such problems.
One of the basic principles of troubleshooting a problem is to ask, "What was the last thing that you did to the car?" I would start by checking the wiring to the front wheel speed sensors and level sensors.
One of the basic principles of troubleshooting a problem is to ask, "What was the last thing that you did to the car?" I would start by checking the wiring to the front wheel speed sensors and level sensors.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
2002 S500
All – I dropped my car off at the dealer and they diagnosed the cause of all my problems as the body pin housing and connector for the strut. This is basically the cable attached to the wheel well where you plug in your strut. I believe there are two cables that plug into that. It absolutely makes sense that I damaged it because I pried on it for a long time before I realized there is a small metal cotter pin that you need to remove before you can unplug the two cables. Apparently that controls everything from ride height, to suspension settings, to I guess my heavy steering wheel feel issue. Here’s the kicker. The two parts they had to replace were $6.93 each! But labor was $350. Either way, I’m glad I got it done and the Arrnott struts feels as good as the factory ones so far if not slightly better. Below are the part numbers for anyone that might need it:
036-545-15-28 Plug $6.93
034-545-89-28 Pin Bushing Housing $6.93
036-545-15-28 Plug $6.93
034-545-89-28 Pin Bushing Housing $6.93
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
2002 S500
Yes, that’s the clip! I’m embarrassed to admit this but I never noticed that clip, so I pried on that harness for at least 2 hours trying to figure out how to disconnect the two cables so I’m sure that’s how I damaged it.
Trending Topics
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Toronto,Ontario,Canada
S430 2002
how to pulled out the half rectangular shaped clip
Hi
Can anyone please let me know , how to pulled out the half rectangular shaped clip ?
I am in the process of changing the struct and noticed the clip when I try to undo the harness
Any help will be very much appreciated
Thanks
Peter
Can anyone please let me know , how to pulled out the half rectangular shaped clip ?
I am in the process of changing the struct and noticed the clip when I try to undo the harness
Any help will be very much appreciated
Thanks
Peter
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Super Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 544
Likes: 22
From: Texas
13's550/2000's430/13'gl63/'13's550/10's63
use a small screw driver to pull it of off the top, and make sure you plug the wires back in, that will make the steering hard,it will go in deep. sorry tx i didnt check post this weekend or we could have saved you some money.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Mercedes Benz S 500
Hard to steer my steering after changing struts
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,473
Likes: 439
From: Ball Ground, GA (N of Atlanta)
2003 S500 2007 GL450
There are two plugs that go into a single socket on the upper forward area of the fender liner. You must pull the little lock out to get the plugs out of the socket. It can be tricky to get the plugs inserted correctly when you finish changing the strut. It is easier to hold the plugs together as you insert them.
Unless you have really tried hard, it is not too likely that the plugs need to be replaced. It is, however, easy to fail to get the plugs reinserted correctly. Keep trying to get them in correctly.
Unless you have really tried hard, it is not too likely that the plugs need to be replaced. It is, however, easy to fail to get the plugs reinserted correctly. Keep trying to get them in correctly.
