Is this a damaged srut?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 1
2000 s500
Is this a damaged srut?
I wanted to know if this was a damaged strut. This is the front passenger side which was brand new and I put on Jan/2014. I noticed it last week because the car shows signs of a slow leak somewhere, but the leak didn't start until I changed the front driver side a month ago. I thought it was the pump but it still comes on but it seems like the car only raises when I drive nothing happens after I start the car the pump just runs. If it sits for more than 8 hours then both front struts drop and both rear struts are up. After more than 24 hours of sitting the rear drops as well. I'm use to only the damaged strut lowering. Today I noticed the allen screw to the bottom of the front driver side strut that I recently put on was never screwed in. So I screwed it in as much as I could now the car rises after starting the car like its supposed to. I'm waiting to see if it will drop again. Soapy tests done, nothing. All opinions are welcome. I have been reading dozens of airmatic posts and they all say the same thing over and over. This site has saved me thousands!
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 70
Likes: 2
From: Qatar
2002 S320L
that screw has nothing to do with leak, i think it only holds the strut to control arm to take uplift forces. With normal ride, strut is under compression. Your strut is gone. i believe you can hear a heavy noise when you drive over humps with that strut.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 1
2000 s500
Thank you for your reply. I Just replaced that strut with a new one. Thank God oreilly covered it under their warranty, but now the car is all the way down on all for wheels pump comes on whenever it feels like it but car doesnt rise. I will change the pump
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 1
2000 s500
I replaced the compressor now the car rises again instantly. So far no leaks. The old one was pumping air but I guess it wasn't enough. I will keep checking to make sure and if it drops again I will go to the shop.
