GL450 Suspension
Discussion
There was a re-call for the 'airmatic' compressor for the M class and G class depending on the year and which pump was fitted at the factory etc.
To be fair its not to complicated but the parts are pricey.
What tends to happen is, a pipe or seal developes a small air leak so the compressor runs all the time to compensate for the leak and in turn burns out. The pump gets replaced and all appears to be fixed if the proper leak check procedure is not followed. A few months later you need another pump.
A heads up for anyone having a new pump, there is a modified relay to turn off the pump if it runs to long.
In answer to your original question i like the system and i think it is suited to this type of vehicle.
To be fair its not to complicated but the parts are pricey.
What tends to happen is, a pipe or seal developes a small air leak so the compressor runs all the time to compensate for the leak and in turn burns out. The pump gets replaced and all appears to be fixed if the proper leak check procedure is not followed. A few months later you need another pump.
A heads up for anyone having a new pump, there is a modified relay to turn off the pump if it runs to long.
In answer to your original question i like the system and i think it is suited to this type of vehicle.
Whats the actual fault with the suspension ?
uneven ride height, sinking on one corner, hard ride, it would be nice to know the exact problem. I've just had a GL320 cdi 4 matic with air suspension that had collapsed at the rear & jammed up on its maximun at the front. The cause was down to broken rear level sensors. New sensors were fitted on the rear. At the same time the links connecting all 4 level sensors were replaced as they were all found to be badly worn. The new links from Mercedes were modified & improved. The originals were just a metal adjustable link rod whilst the new ones were a heavy duty plastic link rod. Once fitted the vehicle was started & left to sort itself out. After about 90 seconds it was level & all back to normal. The height selector switch now worked all ok & the vehicle was once again smooth to drive.
uneven ride height, sinking on one corner, hard ride, it would be nice to know the exact problem. I've just had a GL320 cdi 4 matic with air suspension that had collapsed at the rear & jammed up on its maximun at the front. The cause was down to broken rear level sensors. New sensors were fitted on the rear. At the same time the links connecting all 4 level sensors were replaced as they were all found to be badly worn. The new links from Mercedes were modified & improved. The originals were just a metal adjustable link rod whilst the new ones were a heavy duty plastic link rod. Once fitted the vehicle was started & left to sort itself out. After about 90 seconds it was level & all back to normal. The height selector switch now worked all ok & the vehicle was once again smooth to drive.
mbtech01 said:
Whats the actual fault with the suspension ?
uneven ride height, sinking on one corner, hard ride, it would be nice to know the exact problem. I've just had a GL320 cdi 4 matic with air suspension that had collapsed at the rear & jammed up on its maximun at the front. The cause was down to broken rear level sensors. New sensors were fitted on the rear. At the same time the links connecting all 4 level sensors were replaced as they were all found to be badly worn. The new links from Mercedes were modified & improved. The originals were just a metal adjustable link rod whilst the new ones were a heavy duty plastic link rod. Once fitted the vehicle was started & left to sort itself out. After about 90 seconds it was level & all back to normal. The height selector switch now worked all ok & the vehicle was once again smooth to drive.
It sounds like a previous owner had had a play with the suspension before you got the car as the metal adjutable links are aftermarket. Genuine Mercedes links have always been plastic only. uneven ride height, sinking on one corner, hard ride, it would be nice to know the exact problem. I've just had a GL320 cdi 4 matic with air suspension that had collapsed at the rear & jammed up on its maximun at the front. The cause was down to broken rear level sensors. New sensors were fitted on the rear. At the same time the links connecting all 4 level sensors were replaced as they were all found to be badly worn. The new links from Mercedes were modified & improved. The originals were just a metal adjustable link rod whilst the new ones were a heavy duty plastic link rod. Once fitted the vehicle was started & left to sort itself out. After about 90 seconds it was level & all back to normal. The height selector switch now worked all ok & the vehicle was once again smooth to drive.
Aeroresh said:
It sounds like a previous owner had had a play with the suspension before you got the car as the metal adjutable links are aftermarket. Genuine Mercedes links have always been plastic only.
Who knows ? the previous owner/customer will never give you the full truth when asked in most cases.To MB101tech,
I cannot seem to find someone to make the repairs to my gl 450, the drivers front side is on a slant, I have researched and have called numerous repair shops. I brought the vehcile to Mercedes dealer who first stated that the compressor was malfunctioning, then brought to Tire Plus but couldn't connect with the computer, I then brought back to Mercedes who states it's the struts.
I am very dispointed that I paid almost 70,000 dollars for this vehicle and having these problems, by the way I just had the power sterring pump replaced for almost $2000?
What's your opinion?/
I cannot seem to find someone to make the repairs to my gl 450, the drivers front side is on a slant, I have researched and have called numerous repair shops. I brought the vehcile to Mercedes dealer who first stated that the compressor was malfunctioning, then brought to Tire Plus but couldn't connect with the computer, I then brought back to Mercedes who states it's the struts.
I am very dispointed that I paid almost 70,000 dollars for this vehicle and having these problems, by the way I just had the power sterring pump replaced for almost $2000?
What's your opinion?/
hi, im amazed but not surprised by the level of service your getting from your Mercedes dealer. They have all the proper software to test your suspension & can carry out very specific guided tests such as air leak tests on the pneumatic system using the Star diagnosis system but from what you say they are guessing & giving you a different answer each time you visit them. From your previous replies i suspect the strut assembly is faulty but don't take my word for it - have it properly diagnosed 1st by a master tech or diagnostic technician at you Mercedes dealership & ask for the printouts as evidence to prove whats actually wrong. Also get them to agree that if they fit a part & it doesn't cure the problem you don't have to pay ! It may be worth you phoning your Mercedes benz head office customer service's dept & making a complaint about the frequent problems you keep experiencing with your suspension & see if they will make some sort of goodwill gesture & also discuss with them the level of service you are experiencing with your dealer.
I can't honestly see it being the compressor as if this failed the vehicle would be low on all four corners. There is a valve block assembley the compressor links to & then distributes the air supply to each corner & as previously said it can be checked on Star diagnosis under pneumatic tests. I trust there is no damage to the air line to the strut - can you hear any air leaking/hissing when the vehicles running. Also make sure the voltage readings change when the level sensor is moved for the specific axle. If the voltages are not in specification when checked on star diagnosis software you will not be able to calibrate the suspension correctly & it will cause ride height issues like your experiencing.
I can't honestly see it being the compressor as if this failed the vehicle would be low on all four corners. There is a valve block assembley the compressor links to & then distributes the air supply to each corner & as previously said it can be checked on Star diagnosis under pneumatic tests. I trust there is no damage to the air line to the strut - can you hear any air leaking/hissing when the vehicles running. Also make sure the voltage readings change when the level sensor is moved for the specific axle. If the voltages are not in specification when checked on star diagnosis software you will not be able to calibrate the suspension correctly & it will cause ride height issues like your experiencing.
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