Leaking Front Struts

[Skylaw]

gixxerblack,

Your photos illustrate exactly one of the primary causes of leaks in the airmatic system. Nice job. The cracks are already fairly serious (personally, I believe this is a design defect that MB should have to repair under extended warranty, but that's another issue). Where such cracks exist, the underlying seal is also leaking.

The replacement "seal kit" is actually new seals and new metal mounting plates; it runs about $500-600 to install, depending on dealer labor charges. Do not delay replacing them. Your airmatic pump will wear itself out prematurely (or burn itself out is a short time) trying to maintain pressure, and that is a very expensive repair at a dealer.

The tool is at MERCEDES (W220) SEAL TOP AIR SUSPENSION STRUT; Chain Auto Tools & Accessories, among other locations. A bit more info (part #s, etc) at Airmatic Strut Rebuild - MBWorld.org Forums

Do not try to replace only the seal. You need the plates too.

[gixxerblack]

Thanks for the info Skylaw. so it it possible to do it yourself or it worth the money to let the stealership do it? ntw how much the tool cost?

[gixxerblack]

can someone give me a item/part # for this repair kit? because they couldnt find on the computer

[Skylaw]

When I had the problem I had the dealership do it. I don't have the part number, but your parts guy should be able to look at a parts diagram and identify what's needed. If he can't do that, I wouldn't let them touch my car.

I can't believe they'd be an authorized dealer and never have done the repair or ordered the parts before.

[gixxerblack]

its a big MB dealership here in Seattle, he couldnt find anything except some kind of repair kit for 140$ thats it.

[Skylaw]

I believe that $140 is the retail price of a single kit. Two kits plus installation cost me $550 a few years ago.

When MB replaces the kits under warranty, they mark the price as $50 for each kit. Don't you love it?

[winmaw]

Originally Posted by gixxerblack

its a big MB dealership here in Seattle, he couldnt find anything except some kind of repair kit for 140$ thats it.

The part Number for the repair kit is 220 320 25 38.
It is called hydropneumatic or something like that.

Dealer sells $140.00 per set.You need two.
The tools will cost you $75 + 10 and total will be about $100 on ebay.
Total material + tools will cost you 280 + 100 = 380 + trouble cleaning and headache for all unnecessary issues.

Most of the German Cars Mechanic have this tools and they charge in between 450 to 500 including material + labor.

I was thinking the same thing and finally I decide to go to Local Indy. Negotiate with dealers to get 500 and it is worth to do it. They can reset your height just in case anything wrong after installation.

[gixxerblack]

Skylaw, I guess thats why they got their name, stealership

winmaw, thanks, I'll probably let them do it too, I dont want to mess up and then pay more money to fix it, now does that kit has everything that I need? I mean does it have plates too?

[winmaw]

Originally Posted by gixxerblack

Skylaw, I guess thats why they got their name, stealership

winmaw, thanks, I'll probably let them do it too, I dont want to mess up and then pay more money to fix it, now does that kit has everything that I need? I mean does it have plates too?

It should include everything to do this repair. The mechanic will take care everything. Talk to them and negotiate with them.

[Skylaw]

Originally Posted by winmaw

It should include everything to do this repair. The mechanic will take care everything. Talk to them and negotiate with them.

What he said.