Baldbloke
Active Member
My low mileage (71,000 miles) Estate car appears to have lost pressure as the tops of the wheels are now within the arches. A message with a picture came up 50 miles from home stating 'Malfunction'. Picture of a car with arrow pointing up below car. The message wasn't in red similar to the time when the actuating rod to the axle broke and the rear suspension rose and the nose dropped. That time it told me not to drive. I probably shouldn't have driven it 50 miles home but it seemed to drive fine, although a little firmer than normal.
Now I'm OK on normal suspension jobs and most mechanical issues but have never worked on Air suspension issues. I'm certainly 50 miles from a Mercedes dealer, so would like to give a repair a go, to save some cash and learn about a car I've owned for a number of years.
The car only has Air suspension on the rear by the way.
Can anyone suggest where to start, and how to do a visual check for the problem?
Where does the compressor live?
Am I likely to KO the compressor if I continue to drive it?
Is it possible to disconnect the electrics to the compressor if I need to drive it?
Do the air lines from the compressor to the airbags give problems?
Is there a simple 'T' piece from a central line to the airbags on each side?
Could it be a solenoid or a relay?
Do the airbags actually perish and leak?
If I need new airbags do you recommend fitting a pair, or just replace the one that's leaking?
Are there any special tools required peculiar to the job of replacing the bags?
I see there are different makes, and that the Estate version seems different. Are any makes to be avoided?
Is there a spring/shocker conversion kit available, and if so, is it worth considering?
I'd be grateful for any suggestions, and input for anything I've not considered. It's never a good time for something like this to happen but I'm in for a hip op next week so not the best time for this!
Now I'm OK on normal suspension jobs and most mechanical issues but have never worked on Air suspension issues. I'm certainly 50 miles from a Mercedes dealer, so would like to give a repair a go, to save some cash and learn about a car I've owned for a number of years.
The car only has Air suspension on the rear by the way.
Can anyone suggest where to start, and how to do a visual check for the problem?
Where does the compressor live?
Am I likely to KO the compressor if I continue to drive it?
Is it possible to disconnect the electrics to the compressor if I need to drive it?
Do the air lines from the compressor to the airbags give problems?
Is there a simple 'T' piece from a central line to the airbags on each side?
Could it be a solenoid or a relay?
Do the airbags actually perish and leak?
If I need new airbags do you recommend fitting a pair, or just replace the one that's leaking?
Are there any special tools required peculiar to the job of replacing the bags?
I see there are different makes, and that the Estate version seems different. Are any makes to be avoided?
Is there a spring/shocker conversion kit available, and if so, is it worth considering?
I'd be grateful for any suggestions, and input for anything I've not considered. It's never a good time for something like this to happen but I'm in for a hip op next week so not the best time for this!
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