S-Class (W220) 1999-2006: S 320 CDI, S 320, S430, S 500, S 600

Strut stuck inside?

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Old Mar 27, 2025 | 02:49 PM
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S55
Strut stuck inside?

Hello all,

Faced problem with one of Airmatic struts. Car was sitting for about 1 month, so one side was a little low. Started the car, but one strut didn't move at all. Connected STAR C3, no errors at all. Tried to manualy change level. Compressor works, valve does it job. Even disconnected air line from strut - air is coming as intended. Connected again, in Xentry choose manual level adjustment and hold the key to pump air into strut. It took about 30min to raise to normal level (with breaks, not wanted to overheat pump) It's obviously strut stuck inside... Lowering is not a problem, but lifting up...

How it could happen? Planning to take out strut and bring to shop for inspection/repair next week.
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Old Mar 27, 2025 | 09:41 PM
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From: Ball Ground, GA (N of Atlanta)
2003 S500 2007 GL450
An air leak in the strut's diaphragm?
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Old Mar 27, 2025 | 09:56 PM
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S55
Originally Posted by wallyp
An air leak in the strut's diaphragm?
Well, car is on level right now, and sdoesn't go down. Forgot to mention that after "forcefully" lifted up, went for ride, did about 150km and nothing... Even used lift up button on dash and was working as it should...
Gonna see it next day how it sits...
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Old Mar 29, 2025 | 08:39 AM
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S550 V8, CL600 V12, SLK32 AMG
Originally Posted by suf3r
Well, car is on level right now, and sdoesn't go down. Forgot to mention that after "forcefully" lifted up, went for ride, did about 150km and nothing... Even used lift up button on dash and was working as it should...
Gonna see it next day how it sits...
Probably start saving for a new strut. At least it seems to be giving you a warning before it totally quits.
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Old Mar 29, 2025 | 01:22 PM
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Originally Posted by waterzap99
Probably start saving for a new strut. At least it seems to be giving you a warning before it totally quits.

Good point. First gonna take it out give it to shop for inspection, nearest shop is around 200km away. Have business trip next week, so good opportunity to take it there. Gonna update thread how it goes.
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Old Mar 29, 2025 | 03:13 PM
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S550 V8, CL600 V12, SLK32 AMG
Originally Posted by suf3r
Good point. First gonna take it out give it to shop for inspection, nearest shop is around 200km away. Have business trip next week, so good opportunity to take it there. Gonna update thread how it goes.
They probably wont be able to see much. The leak might be small and only there if the shock is at a certain level. If your car still have the original shocks, then you definitely got your money's worth out of them.
It also something that not super difficult to do yourself.
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Old Apr 8, 2025 | 10:39 AM
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From: Northern Hemisphere - Chicago
fleet
the ebay ones are good 100 bucks
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