Always_broken

I saw couple of cracks on top of front driver air shock today. They were not there last week. I did as it says on other threads with spraying soapy water to see any air bubbles, So far no bubbles. Any ideas of how long I got before it goes. The car has 70k miles, I know these things are barely worth 8k, so would hate to spend a lot of money. How much would this repair cost. or should I get rid of it ASAP. Plz advise.... Very new to forums.... All replies appreciated

Always_broken

Anybody

Always_broken

Early morning bump... I did read the sticky, didn't answer all my questions.

s5benzo

Don't panic my friend . If your vehicle is not on the ground or showing any signs of leakage then be patient. There are better than oem options out there for a quarter of cost compared to factory. Arnott industries is very popular for air suspension products and make a qaulity product . Goodluck

wallyp

This is very unlikely to be a sudden and catastrophic failure. If/When you do develop a leak, you will have time to take care of it on your own terms.

How expensive a fix becomes depends greatly upon how you go about fixing it. If you go to a dealer, be prepared for a very expensive fix. If you can find an honest, knowledgeable independent shop the repair will be cheaper. If you DIY, you can repair the strut or replace the strut. Repair is cheaper, but more work. Replacing is less than $500, takes perhaps four hours the first time that you do it. Instructions are easily available here and at other sources online.

Always_broken

I got worried because of the cracks just showed up on top. Since no past experience I thought it could go any day or minute. Thanks for the info now I can put some miles on again. I had stopped taking it long distance.

DimcheSRQ

Yea man as long as your car isn't sinking and you're not hearing any air hissing, it's ok. The struts do go bad though I just changed my strut on my '01 s430. It was pretty easy and thankfully the aftermarket company Arnott has very affordable air struts in the 300-400 dollar range.

Newme2014

Hello fellow S Class owners,

My 2000 S430 lowers and it releases air when I am driving. I have not done the soapy water test yet, but I think I will do that this weekend.

Always_broken

I put about another 2000 miles since the cracks, so far everything is fine.

s5benzo

See Mr broken told ya you have nothing to worry about !! Hopefully it lasts . Now when you do notice your suspension getting low overnight it's best to fix right away so that way you don't burn out the compressor

Newme2014

I saw a repair kit, I think on Ebay to fix the top of the struts. I will look for it and post it, that might be what I need.

tusabes

Yes there is a repair kit specifically for cracked strut tops

Also many people have just used $5 of epoxy and it works just fine

Newme2014

This is great information, I appreciate it and will definitely try the epoxy method.

Always_broken

Just any kind epoxy would do or is there a brand that would be better than others. I have worked with jb weld cement type stuff before but don't know much about epoxy.

mcguirja

I recall seeing a thread on the repair with epoxy but haven't been able to find it. I don't drive the S as much anymore, but just noticed the same cracking on both of my struts. Can't see the rear, does anyone know if the same thing happens or is it a different set up? Seems a little bit of out of sight out of mind. Fix the front because you can see them, but the rear could be deteriorating and would never see it until too late.

James

s5benzo

The rear air struts are pretty reliable! !! They do go out eventually but it's mainly from wear and tear the front struts have more issues with epoxy cracking, top seal leak , bellow boot broken or ripped , lower seal issues etc... front strut replacement is more common than rear replacement

mcguirja

Nice to know,