Air suspension
09-23-2023, 10:55 AM
#26
I changed the front strut on the driver side about 3 years ago but now I have this problem with the passenger side.
The struts are original, from 23 years ago, so I am sure it is time to change them. But I wanted to make sure the problem is with the struts, not the compressor or valve block or hoses and ride height sensors, etc.
Yes, the struts are inexpensive on eBay but it is labor intensive to change them, especially the rear ones. So I wanted to get advice from you guys before I do it because the problem could be with something else, not the struts.
The struts are original, from 23 years ago, so I am sure it is time to change them. But I wanted to make sure the problem is with the struts, not the compressor or valve block or hoses and ride height sensors, etc.
Yes, the struts are inexpensive on eBay but it is labor intensive to change them, especially the rear ones. So I wanted to get advice from you guys before I do it because the problem could be with something else, not the struts.
There are many more components besides just the struts and air compressor, there are level sensors and valve blocks and airlines, and any of these parts could be faulty. We just don’t know
compressors are easy enough to test by putting 12 v power to them. Plus, it’s likely your whole car would be slammed if the compressor was bad. But the fact your car will not go up or down using the suspension button points to other problems. Again, we just don’t know what part of your system is faulty. Why don’t you invest the hour of shop time labor taking it to an Experienced shop who can tell you what the heck is wrong.
09-24-2023, 04:56 PM
#27
Member
OP....might want tp update the location in your profile too. Someone local may be able to assist or make a recommendation for a shop.
09-24-2023, 10:42 PM
#28
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W220
Thank you folks for your responses.
I live in the San Francisco Bay Area.
I have measured the height of each struts every day in the last few weeks and I can say the car goes up and down so the problem is not with the compressor.
One day I turned the car on and the right front strut went up 30 mm right away so I guess that is at-least one of the problems. So I ordered a front strut and I am going to replace that.
I will update you guys if that takes care of part of the problem.
I have not seen any Mercedes specialist around where I live. There is only the dealer here which they charge a lot to scan the car and do a full diagnosis. That is why I decided to learn how to fix this myself.
I have a BMW E66 too and I do most of the basic repairs for these two cars myself but this time I was not sure what the exact problem with these struts is.
Another thing I could try was to get an external compressor and pump air directly to each of these struts from the top and see if that raises the car, and if they hold air after a few days or not.
Or I could try the method member " SUF3R " posted a video of it on August 20th and try to raise each struts individually by wires connecting the fuses, but I don't want to blow something by doing that.
I live in the San Francisco Bay Area.
I have measured the height of each struts every day in the last few weeks and I can say the car goes up and down so the problem is not with the compressor.
One day I turned the car on and the right front strut went up 30 mm right away so I guess that is at-least one of the problems. So I ordered a front strut and I am going to replace that.
I will update you guys if that takes care of part of the problem.
I have not seen any Mercedes specialist around where I live. There is only the dealer here which they charge a lot to scan the car and do a full diagnosis. That is why I decided to learn how to fix this myself.
I have a BMW E66 too and I do most of the basic repairs for these two cars myself but this time I was not sure what the exact problem with these struts is.
Another thing I could try was to get an external compressor and pump air directly to each of these struts from the top and see if that raises the car, and if they hold air after a few days or not.
Or I could try the method member " SUF3R " posted a video of it on August 20th and try to raise each struts individually by wires connecting the fuses, but I don't want to blow something by doing that.
09-25-2023, 01:57 PM
#29
Senior Member
the strut you ordered is a good idea. you will be back in business before you know it. just remember the old strut may separate (and leak more) when you jack that side up. if it stretches it will self tear. so only jack up the side you are working on . it will all make sense
09-25-2023, 05:48 PM
#30
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W220
Thank you for your response.
I was planning to raise both sides to look at the ride-height sensors too.
So I should not do that ?
Also, do I need to some how deflate the struct before removing it and if so, how to deflate it ?
I remember from past experience that it was very tight to take the old one out and that one was completely down to the ground.
So, it may even be harder to take this one out because it is not fully deflated.
I was planning to raise both sides to look at the ride-height sensors too.
So I should not do that ?
Also, do I need to some how deflate the struct before removing it and if so, how to deflate it ?
I remember from past experience that it was very tight to take the old one out and that one was completely down to the ground.
So, it may even be harder to take this one out because it is not fully deflated.
12-27-2023, 12:53 PM
#32
Newbie
Thank you folks for your responses.
I live in the San Francisco Bay Area.
I have measured the height of each struts every day in the last few weeks and I can say the car goes up and down so the problem is not with the compressor.
One day I turned the car on and the right front strut went up 30 mm right away so I guess that is at-least one of the problems. So I ordered a front strut and I am going to replace that.
I will update you guys if that takes care of part of the problem.
I have not seen any Mercedes specialist around where I live. There is only the dealer here which they charge a lot to scan the car and do a full diagnosis. That is why I decided to learn how to fix this myself.
I have a BMW E66 too and I do most of the basic repairs for these two cars myself but this time I was not sure what the exact problem with these struts is.
Another thing I could try was to get an external compressor and pump air directly to each of these struts from the top and see if that raises the car, and if they hold air after a few days or not.
Or I could try the method member " SUF3R " posted a video of it on August 20th and try to raise each struts individually by wires connecting the fuses, but I don't want to blow something by doing that.
I live in the San Francisco Bay Area.
I have measured the height of each struts every day in the last few weeks and I can say the car goes up and down so the problem is not with the compressor.
One day I turned the car on and the right front strut went up 30 mm right away so I guess that is at-least one of the problems. So I ordered a front strut and I am going to replace that.
I will update you guys if that takes care of part of the problem.
I have not seen any Mercedes specialist around where I live. There is only the dealer here which they charge a lot to scan the car and do a full diagnosis. That is why I decided to learn how to fix this myself.
I have a BMW E66 too and I do most of the basic repairs for these two cars myself but this time I was not sure what the exact problem with these struts is.
Another thing I could try was to get an external compressor and pump air directly to each of these struts from the top and see if that raises the car, and if they hold air after a few days or not.
Or I could try the method member " SUF3R " posted a video of it on August 20th and try to raise each struts individually by wires connecting the fuses, but I don't want to blow something by doing that.
01-16-2024, 10:50 AM
#33
Senior Member
I noticed my car lowers on one side (rear pass) when I park it....but then when I open the door, it inflates itself. the reservoir must hold spare air. at a certain point it does not lift the side anymore when it is out of air without compressor turning on again. I would think if the rear shock doesn't leak and still does this
just an observation if anyone cares
my car rides high in front and low in the back. I put the wrong height parameters into the ride height calibration just to get a steering angle sensor error cleared (scanner told me it was a prerequisite)
if anyone has any ideas let me know otherwise ill leave this here
just an observation if anyone cares
my car rides high in front and low in the back. I put the wrong height parameters into the ride height calibration just to get a steering angle sensor error cleared (scanner told me it was a prerequisite)
if anyone has any ideas let me know otherwise ill leave this here
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