Mercedes vehicles are great luxury cars, but they’re susceptible to problems, particularly with their air suspension. However, Mercedes air suspension problems can be easy to avoid and repair. To help you learn how, here are a few common Mercedes-Benz suspension problems and some tips on how you can fix each one.
Most Common Mercedes Air Suspension Problems
Leaking Air Struts
Mercedes owners may experience leaking air struts caused by cracks, holes, or severe damage to the rubber material of the part. Oftentimes, drivers will hear a hissing sound coming from the wheels when a leak occurs. The vehicle may also begin to sag on the side of the failing air strut. Many claim that epoxy can seal the leak. However, this is only a temporary solution. For a long-term fix, it’s recommended that you replace the struts.
Failing Air Compressor
With time, the air compressor will lose the power to produce the pressure needed to fill the air springs. In this situation, the compressor may run continuously to ensure that the springs are properly inflated. Unfortunately, this will cause the part to fail. Once the system notices that the air compressor is running for too long, the system will display a warning and go into safe mode to limit runtime. As soon as the warning pops up, check the springs for damage and leaks. If there are no leaks, you’ll need to have the compressor replaced.
Blown Fuses and Bad Relays
Blown fuses and bad relays are one of the most common Mercedes air suspension problems. If the air compressor relays are malfunctioning, they won’t be able to activate the compressor system, resulting in deflated struts and a non-functioning suspension system. Bad relays can also trigger the compressor to stay on longer than necessary. This can overinflate the struts and wear out the compressor and cause it to fail. When the fuse in the air compressor pump blows, the compressor won’t work. To fix this, you can simply replace it. However, keep in mind that this should be a long-term solution. So if the fuse keeps blowing, take a closer look at the suspension system because this can indicate another more serious issue.
Faulty Level Sensor
The air suspension in Mercedes vehicles is equipped with level sensors that monitor the height of the car. If one of the sensors begins to malfunction, the vehicle will adjust its height to match it. This can result in raising the car too high or too low. When these sensors become faulty, Mercedes vehicles will display a warning code. Once you see this, you’ll want to check the linkage for any issues. The electrical component of the Airmatic suspension system can also cause the problems with the level sensors, so you should take a look at that or take it to an auto shop for an inspection as well. Mercedes Airmatic problems arise quite often. While some issues only require easy fixes, others will need more extensive and costly repairs. To avoid this, you’ll want to monitor the vehicle’s performance as well as the condition of the system parts to ensure that the car gets the proper maintenance to prevent problems.
Eliminate Your Mercedes Air Suspension Problems - Convert to Coil Springs
You can also consider installing an air suspension conversion kit to convert the air suspension in your Mercedes to a traditional coil spring suspension. Doing this will help you to avoid all of the Mercedes Airmatic problems mentioned above. Plus, since coil spring suspensions are made with more durable materials, it’ll last longer and require less maintenance, saving you a fortune on costly Mercedes air suspension repairs. For more information about air suspension parts and air suspension conversion kits for Mercedes vehicles, call Strutmasters at 866-597-2397 or contact us online.