Air suspension issue

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Kingpin!

Active Member
Joined
Oct 25, 2007
Messages
181
Location
EU
Car
R350 (W251) & R350 (V251)
Half a year ago I had the workshop change the front suspension. The other day when I started the car I noticed that "familiar" thing that the car was rising (no message on the display though). After that the car has been parked for 2 days, now I saw that the car has lowered itself in the front, again no message on the display and it quite quickly was in normal riding height. Did a quick tour and then back home again. Approximately 1 hour later the car is sitting again (and again, only in the front).

Since the struts (correct word?) are replaced with new (quality) ones and this problem came now after some time, what can be the problem? Obviously the compressor doesn't seem to have any problem at least.
 
Half a year ago I had the workshop change the front suspension. The other day when I started the car I noticed that "familiar" thing that the car was rising (no message on the display though). After that the car has been parked for 2 days, now I saw that the car has lowered itself in the front, again no message on the display and it quite quickly was in normal riding height. Did a quick tour and then back home again. Approximately 1 hour later the car is sitting again (and again, only in the front).

Since the struts (correct word?) are replaced with new (quality) ones and this problem came now after some time, what can be the problem? Obviously the compressor doesn't seem to have any problem at least.
Never had a problem with my airmatic, but read a lot on here about the valve block leaking, maybe worth a look first?
 
I've diagnosed the problem to being a hose that has a leak at one point. I tried (as a temporary solution) to patch it with duct tape but it doesn't seem to be able to withstand the pressure so that's pretty much useless.

I saw that there is a "repair" kit available on this site; Repair Kit - Spare parts around the air suspension anybody has experience of these things and is it a DIY job at all?

Any other good ideas/methods? :)
 
Yes I think if your happy replacing a section yourself then its going to be cheaper.
The coach company I work for use these rather than replacing the whole line.
Failing that, You could buy a new section from Mercedes.
I'm sure you know but support the side before you let the air out. Don't want to burn out the pump trying to lift the car.
 
Well done at least you have found the split pipe,so many have lots of problems finding what has gone wrong with the airmatic,as already stated buy new from MB or use the repair kit,
 
Removing the fuse for Airmatic (at least the compressor) is sufficient as well I guess?

Is this what I would need to patch around this:

Or do I replace the hose completely (maybe it's just going to fail elsewhere on the hose or any of the other hoses?):
and if so, reusing the existing connection points I have now?

Thanks!
 
If it’s the front struts, the hose will be directly to the air block and fairly short. I would replace the whole pipe, it would be a bigger task from the rear strut as the pipe would be a lot longer. Depends what has caused the split in the first place. I am sure someone has a diagram of the pipes to see what’s involved. Mine currently has the same issue, will investigate in the following week when it’s warmer.
 
Which is the side that needs work. The O/S is going to be fairly easy. Just remove the wheel and then wheel arch liner.
Not sure what car you have Mine is a GL and I'm sure ML and R class in the same place.
The pipe is all grouped together under the O/S front wing and have a colour code at the valve block. You may even notice on the top of the suspension turret. Its a very small ring of colour.
If you look up valve bock you should be able to find the right colour for the side you are repairing.
If you are going to just repair, Then I would buy small length of pipe and two push connectors.
The connectors are like the John Guest fitting's but small smaller diameter, Like I said our fitters use them probably at more pressure than our cars.
 
I have lots of issues with airmatic on different models of MB. Everything from failed compressors, leaks in the airline to complete strut replacements.

When I have had a leak in the pipe, I have repaired it using push fit connectors and a new section of pipe. The pipe and push fit connectors are pennies to buy.

I used a company called pirtek, who specialise in automotive hoses.

 

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