Mercedes Benz Factory Air Suspension
This week we performed a simple test on this Mercedes Benz GL450 air suspension. After looking the factory air bag suspension had failed. Arnott is the company we use for these bags. They are a fraction of the price and the same quality as the Mercedes Benz suspension.
About Factory Air Suspension
Factory or original equipment manufactured (OEM) air suspension is a system that auto manufactures use to replace a regular coil spring. The systems have been around for a long time, and contrary to popular belief are very efficient. This can increase the suspension’s firmness and rideability for sportier driving, or softer for a more comfortable ride.
In these systems the vehicle is equipped with a small air pump and valves. When the car needs to go up, the air pump pumps air into the system via air lines and the pressure raises the car. When the car needs to go down, a pressure relief valve opens and lets the air pressure out thus lowering the vehicle.
Failure and Repair
Next we will talk about damage and failure. Over time, these bags will wear out. It’s typically not the rubber, but the internals that limit the travel of the suspension. These are called bump stops. This is a rubber bushing that will bottom out on rubber and not on the bag or the mounting components.There is the potential, although very unlikely, that the bag could get torn. Another way they can fail is the air bag can start leaking. The air bags are crimped with a metal band and these bands could fail over time and allow air to escape.
The leveling sensors are another thing that can fail. Each wheel has a sensor that tells the vehicle’s computer how low or high the car is sitting. Sometimes these fail, typically there will be a warning light on the dash that says something is wrong.
Other things that can fail are the air line, connectors, pumps and fittings. These components can be tested by a authorized shop such as Meister Werks European and Import. We are located 1 block south of The Renton Landing, across the street from Boeing in Renton, WA. Call 425.254.0627 or E-mail today for a quote today!