Airmatic/self leveling pump replacement

[phill993]

Hi, advice need on replacing the air compressor on my 57 W211 E320 CDI Estate.

Background:-

My car has air suspension fitted to the rear only. The air compressor was damaged in a front end collision and the vehicle has been stood for a number of months during which time the rear suspension has deflated (become much lower then the front)

When I removed the pump and there was a very slight fizz of air as the airline was disconnected. The bottom section of the pump is substantially damaged and the compressor conrod and rusty bearing are clealry visible.

The car is currently showing no fault codes from the suspension (scanned using an Autel EU702) and no messages on the dash display. However, the battery has been flat and the engine not run since the collision a few months back, so I guess most of the codes generated when the car was last alive will now have been lost.

My questions:-
Is it reasonable to assume the suspension deflation is down to leakage from the damaged pump or is it more likely there is a leakage further along the system?

Is it safe to connect up a new pump and just set it going?

Are there a particular proceedures to follow to inflate the suspension from flat? (should the rear end be raised on a jack first?)

Will it need to be set up after the repair using the star system?

Will the pump run with just the ignition on or does the engine need to be running?

So many questions, but hopefully some answers from the experts here!

Thanks in anticipation, Phill

PS: Can anyone recommend a good indy, with Star diagnostics, in the Cambridge area?

 

[shorty]

The pump may not be faulty . Check to see if there is any codes after the car is started . The car will lift it self when the engine is started , although it is advised by MB the lift the car to ride hight before starting .
If the pump is faulty changing it is easy , just 3 nuts , one small pipe and 2 plugs , i have only just changed the pump on my car this eve . STAR wont be needed to reset any thing if its a bad pump or leaking air line .
The air line follows from the pump into the car at the pass foot well , then travels along with the cars loom to under the rear seat , there is a brass union there , the line then goes into the rear of the car then through the floor to a valve .

 

[phill993]

Hi Shorty, Thanks for the info, will give it a go after jacking the rear of the car to ride hieght.

Nice bike!