Air leak on Airmatic system
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 285
Likes: 26
'18 AMG GTR, '04 CL55, '04 E55, '03 CLK500, '01 E55,94 E500, '91 190E 2.5-16 EVOII, '86 560SL
Air leak on Airmatic system
I have a '04 E55, with 50k miles on it that is suffering from Air leak on its airmatic suspension system.
I bought a Star diagnostic system and start to try diferent heights with the suspension.
But every time that I work on the car, after a day or two that I did not use the car; the car lowers by itself and stay lower. If I use the car frequently, the car last more days with the correct height.
The raise suspension switch doesnt work and I have to lift it uo using the star system again.
The car shows the "visit workshop" sign on the instrument and the fault code that shows on the diagnostic is that the system has leaks.
Obviusly this is the problem, since it lost the height that I programed after a couple of days. I even tried to leave it with the stock height.
Now, my questions are:
- Have anyone here had the same problem?
- Any ideas where I can start to look for this leak?
- Is this is a common problem with vehicles lowered with star?
- Why is the car doesnt inflates the system automatically?
- Why is not working the raise suspension switch?
Any ideas or solutions will be very helpfull for me.
Thanks in advance
Happy New Year!!!
I bought a Star diagnostic system and start to try diferent heights with the suspension.
But every time that I work on the car, after a day or two that I did not use the car; the car lowers by itself and stay lower. If I use the car frequently, the car last more days with the correct height.
The raise suspension switch doesnt work and I have to lift it uo using the star system again.
The car shows the "visit workshop" sign on the instrument and the fault code that shows on the diagnostic is that the system has leaks.
Obviusly this is the problem, since it lost the height that I programed after a couple of days. I even tried to leave it with the stock height.
Now, my questions are:
- Have anyone here had the same problem?
- Any ideas where I can start to look for this leak?
- Is this is a common problem with vehicles lowered with star?
- Why is the car doesnt inflates the system automatically?
- Why is not working the raise suspension switch?
Any ideas or solutions will be very helpfull for me.
Thanks in advance
Happy New Year!!!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,825
Likes: 17
From: Southern California
E55 w/ goods, Z32 Project underway
Can you hear the leak? Mine had leaks (common) at the distribution block in front of the front drivers tire behind the bumper. Remove the lower shield to get to it or the tire shroud. I sprayed water on hoses and little bubbles were present. Typical line hose attachments. I removed each, cut off the end a tad and reinstalled. No leaks. Hopefully yours is not internal somewhere.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 6,020
Likes: 532
From: Alexandria, VA
07 E63 AMG, 10 C63 AMG, 07 E63 Designo, 07 E350, 09 C300, 07 C230
If I can shed some light on this matter, I too had the same exact thing happen on my 07 E63, after sitting for several days. After starting the car, everything goes back to normal. I contacted my shop foreman at ASC in Arlington. Made him aware of the issue, and he said that this is no normal, for your suspension to bottom out like that. The system is made to level out, all for corners. If your rear suspension is completely collapsed, you need to replace your airmatic struts. Each corner of the car, has a ride height sensor, so that the car knows everything is level. The problem is that your aircompressor will restore that car, to it's proper ride height. But since you have a leak somewhere, the aircompressor will work overtime, to keep air in the struts via the air tank. This causing it to eventually burn up. My tech hooked my car up to their SDS (Star Diagnostic System) and the read the codes, basically said the their is a leak in the strut, so the aircompressor had to work, a little harder to fill the strut and tank. This isn't a cheap fix either, especially if your car isn't under warranty. If the problem is not addressed, you will eventually have a complete suspension collapse, with the aircompressor unable to fill the air struts. This may cause you to be stranded somewhere, because your tires will probably rub, on the inside of the fenderwell. I have seen some S Class, with a complete suspension collapse, and they have to be brought in on a flatbed truck. This looks really cool lowered, but the suspension has a serious problem. Have it addressed ASAP. Here is a website for the air struts http://www.arnottindustries.com/part...18_pid134.html I hope that this helps you out, it's an option, compared to the stealerships price.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 6,020
Likes: 532
From: Alexandria, VA
07 E63 AMG, 10 C63 AMG, 07 E63 Designo, 07 E350, 09 C300, 07 C230
The only answer that I can offer is to start your search for leaks from the pump, the distribution block, to each strut via the air lines. The leak most likely will be the struts, since they take the most pounding, from the roads. The most valid answer why your car will not restore the ride height, is that your air struts are leaking air. I had my car lowered via Star, and haven't had a single problem. But of course I didn't lowered it that much maybe 1.5 inches in the rear, 2 inches in the front. But certainly not slammed, I still can get a few fingers back there. Your raise height is probably working but due to a air leak, your struts aren't able to inflate. My suggestion, is either take it to a independant shop for Mercedes, or the dealer and have them diagnose your issue. And advise you on the repairs that need to be undertaken, then use the link that i provided you to buy new struts if needed. I could be something a simple as a frayed air line. Just my two cents
Any ideas or solutions will be very helpfull for me.
Any ideas or solutions will be very helpfull for me.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 285
Likes: 26
'18 AMG GTR, '04 CL55, '04 E55, '03 CLK500, '01 E55,94 E500, '91 190E 2.5-16 EVOII, '86 560SL
Thanks everybody for your ideas.
Unfortunately, things went from bad to worse with my car.
I started to search for leaks in the compressor and distribution air part, and found only one fitting with a very small leak.
I take it off, since there is nothing much to do it, but only change the o-ring, put some teflon and grease on each fitting. I did that, of course all of the air went out went I took that one lines. The lines were one right rear. Red color, I checked on each strut, and each one has different color. Test the compressor with the SDS diagnostic and there were no more leaks on that line and any other one. I was very happy that it was a very easy repair.
I put everything back together, mud guard, tire, and put it back in its 4 tires.
But after that, my nightmare starts.
Since it lost all of its air, I tried to fill the struts and air tanks, but nothing happened.
The rear stay in its normal height, but the front suspension is completely slammed.
I tried several times to fill the struts, but nothing.
Then I tried the pneumatic tests for the compressor, but it only reaches 6 bars, when it supposed to reach to 14 bars in 40 sec.
It says that the relay is not working properly. I checked the really, and it seems to work fine. I even change it for other one with the same amps, and the same thing.
Also shows that the pressure release valves maybe stuck. I don’t even know where these valves are. Anyone knows where are this pressure release valves??
The air filter of the compressor may be clogged, but it was 100% free
Take the tire and mud guard off again, take the air compressor completely off the car. Put teflon on every fitting with new o-rings.
And then did the same tests; but it was even worse.
Now the fault codes shows that all four corners have a problem with the "desacelaration sensors"
It says that if all of the sensors are showing the same code, maybe had and opens circuit or a short circuit.
Same thing with the pressure release valves, I don’t know where the hell this sensors are. Anybody knows??
Well, after more than 5 hours driving me crazy, Losing my hair trying to get my baby back up, and the wife that sent me to the dog house to sleep that night... I ended it up with a car completely slam to the floor in the front suspension and the warning light "Stop, car too low" on.
I always avoid taking my car to the Mercedes stealership of my country, but I think this time I'll give up (even that Im a very persistent person, when it comes to car troubles).
I don’t think I damage any major parts, like the air compressor or any struts. But thanks to Yuille36, now Im a "little" more relax about airmatic parts prices.
I know it is not cheap the site you gave me, but at least it is much less expensive compared to the price of any Mercedes stealership.
There is also a very good site for German parts.
www.germanautoparts.com
Anyways.... Im going to leave the car alone for a couple of days, weeks maybe... Do more researches on the subject, ask some Mercedes technicians and try again. Maybe the bad spirits abandoned my "ship" by that time.
For those of you who give me some good advises or just read my post, I will keep you updated from my nightmare!!!...
Unfortunately, things went from bad to worse with my car.
I started to search for leaks in the compressor and distribution air part, and found only one fitting with a very small leak.
I take it off, since there is nothing much to do it, but only change the o-ring, put some teflon and grease on each fitting. I did that, of course all of the air went out went I took that one lines. The lines were one right rear. Red color, I checked on each strut, and each one has different color. Test the compressor with the SDS diagnostic and there were no more leaks on that line and any other one. I was very happy that it was a very easy repair.
I put everything back together, mud guard, tire, and put it back in its 4 tires.
But after that, my nightmare starts.
Since it lost all of its air, I tried to fill the struts and air tanks, but nothing happened.
The rear stay in its normal height, but the front suspension is completely slammed.
I tried several times to fill the struts, but nothing.
Then I tried the pneumatic tests for the compressor, but it only reaches 6 bars, when it supposed to reach to 14 bars in 40 sec.
It says that the relay is not working properly. I checked the really, and it seems to work fine. I even change it for other one with the same amps, and the same thing.
Also shows that the pressure release valves maybe stuck. I don’t even know where these valves are. Anyone knows where are this pressure release valves??
The air filter of the compressor may be clogged, but it was 100% free
Take the tire and mud guard off again, take the air compressor completely off the car. Put teflon on every fitting with new o-rings.
And then did the same tests; but it was even worse.
Now the fault codes shows that all four corners have a problem with the "desacelaration sensors"
It says that if all of the sensors are showing the same code, maybe had and opens circuit or a short circuit.
Same thing with the pressure release valves, I don’t know where the hell this sensors are. Anybody knows??
Well, after more than 5 hours driving me crazy, Losing my hair trying to get my baby back up, and the wife that sent me to the dog house to sleep that night... I ended it up with a car completely slam to the floor in the front suspension and the warning light "Stop, car too low" on.
I always avoid taking my car to the Mercedes stealership of my country, but I think this time I'll give up (even that Im a very persistent person, when it comes to car troubles).
I don’t think I damage any major parts, like the air compressor or any struts. But thanks to Yuille36, now Im a "little" more relax about airmatic parts prices.
I know it is not cheap the site you gave me, but at least it is much less expensive compared to the price of any Mercedes stealership.
There is also a very good site for German parts.
www.germanautoparts.com
Anyways.... Im going to leave the car alone for a couple of days, weeks maybe... Do more researches on the subject, ask some Mercedes technicians and try again. Maybe the bad spirits abandoned my "ship" by that time.
For those of you who give me some good advises or just read my post, I will keep you updated from my nightmare!!!...
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
ML500 2006
Airmatic leaking strut
The only way i managed to find the leak was to start the car and let it idle for a few minutes so the system pressures up. Then switch off the car. Due to the pressure a leak is very easy to hear. Mine is leaking on the rubber bellows of the strut itself through a tiny pin***** sized hole.
Anyone know if I should try and use a tubeless repair on this???
Anyone know if I should try and use a tubeless repair on this???
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 6,020
Likes: 532
From: Alexandria, VA
07 E63 AMG, 10 C63 AMG, 07 E63 Designo, 07 E350, 09 C300, 07 C230
Do not put tire repair foam inside your struts, there is a possibility that this stuff could contanimate your system. Not only will it screw up the strut, but air lines, distribution block, etc. Your air strut isn't like fixing a tire, please do not use the fix a flat, take it in for service. Check out this link http://www.arnottindustries.com/part...18_pid134.html for purchasing new struts. Find a independant shop, and have them perform the repairs, it definitely will be cheaper then the dealers price. I hope that this helps.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Caribbean/Florida/Colorado
E-ZGO 53hp., 1999 E 430 sport, 2004 E 55, 2008 Tahoe LTZ on 24"s
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 285
Likes: 26
'18 AMG GTR, '04 CL55, '04 E55, '03 CLK500, '01 E55,94 E500, '91 190E 2.5-16 EVOII, '86 560SL
I read the entire post, but in my case, a strut is not the problem.
I checked all the struts for air leaks and there is none.
The problem is in one pressure realse valve, that its stuck sometimes in the open position, and now that I check the air compresor it got stuck in the close position. Not letting the air going into the system and shut off inmediatelly the compresor.
Tomorrow I'll have an MB tec. going to my house to check the system. Since I have a Star diagnosis system I hope he knows what is the problem; but I dont think is a damage strut or the compresor.
or is one of the pressure valves, or is the relay. I hope!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 1
From: Dallas, TX
2007 E63, 2005 Dodge Ram Hemi
If I can shed some light on this matter, I too had the same exact thing happen on my 07 E63, after sitting for several days. After starting the car, everything goes back to normal. I contacted my shop foreman at ASC in Arlington. Made him aware of the issue, and he said that this is no normal, for your suspension to bottom out like that. The system is made to level out, all for corners. If your rear suspension is completely collapsed, you need to replace your airmatic struts. Each corner of the car, has a ride height sensor, so that the car knows everything is level. The problem is that your aircompressor will restore that car, to it's proper ride height. But since you have a leak somewhere, the aircompressor will work overtime, to keep air in the struts via the air tank. This causing it to eventually burn up. My tech hooked my car up to their SDS (Star Diagnostic System) and the read the codes, basically said the their is a leak in the strut, so the aircompressor had to work, a little harder to fill the strut and tank. This isn't a cheap fix either, especially if your car isn't under warranty. If the problem is not addressed, you will eventually have a complete suspension collapse, with the aircompressor unable to fill the air struts. This may cause you to be stranded somewhere, because your tires will probably rub, on the inside of the fenderwell. I have seen some S Class, with a complete suspension collapse, and they have to be brought in on a flatbed truck. This looks really cool lowered, but the suspension has a serious problem. Have it addressed ASAP. Here is a website for the air struts http://www.arnottindustries.com/part...18_pid134.html I hope that this helps you out, it's an option, compared to the stealerships price.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 6,020
Likes: 532
From: Alexandria, VA
07 E63 AMG, 10 C63 AMG, 07 E63 Designo, 07 E350, 09 C300, 07 C230
Yes, they changed out my leaky rear airstrut, checked the air compressor, lines and air distribution block under warranty. I called and talked to my shop foreman, and told him about the problem that I was having. I figured he would know if, I was having an issue or not. He told me to bring it in, because I defenitely have a problem. Your suspension should auto level on it's own, if your car bottoms out, after a few days, then yes you have a problem.
