Leaking Front Struts

[finntexan]

So why did you write earlier that the pump runs noisy? If it is not noisy, then I guess you're OK with that.

[daisound]

In my memory, the pump used to run with higher db than now, I do not know if the colder ambient temperature or the new seals has anything to do with the operation of the pump's db. I knew I have much higher back pressure from the sealed system than it was before.

[ackee911]

Hey everyone,

My front driver side strut is sitting on the wheel. When I start the car, it raises again. Been looking around for this repair kit, most dealers and garages, haven't a clue what i'm talkin about and keep quoting me £1000 for a new strut!

Anyone got any ideas where I can get this repair kit to do it myself, here in the U.K?

[Skylaw]

ackee911,

Post #11 has links that answer your question; but be aware that struts can leak in locations other than the top seals. There is no repair kit if the leaks are other than at the top seal - the only course of action is strut replacement.

[Detcomm]

Originally Posted by daisound

finntexan
I finally get the both upper struts seals replaced. I test drove with my family to 60 miles round trip and it is fine. When I jack up the driver wheel no more air leak from the top. I am going to leave the car outside for the 1st freeze in our area tonight.
When I took out my driver side wheel, I saw the plastic bellow lower end was loose from the lower plastic holder. Do you think I can glue it back together ? The bellow was not broken but just unable to slap on to the holder. I think the bellow is to protect the strut from water and dirt. When I push up the bellow, the strut is very clean like new on the outside of the cylinder. I think the bellow is sitting on top of the lower bracket when the car 's suspension is lowered to the normal operation position.
I talk to the mechanic in the mid-city Park Place, they told me there is no repair to the pump and the replacement of the pump filter will not help to quiet down the pump if it runs loud. Actually they told me they will reuse the buffers even they replace a new pump. At this point, I need more research before I will start anymore pump repair project.
As the root cause of the leak is fixed, the pump will operate in rare situations. I did not change my Hella relay either, because I never run into relay problem in the past.

I have the same problem on my 2000 S500. I lifted the front end up on jacks to replace brakes and noticed that the the plastic bellow lower end was loose from the lower plastic holder on the front passanger strut. Does anyone know if i can glue it back? My dealer parts department person told me that the bellow is not pressurized with air and it's only there to protect the strut from dust and dirt. My suspension has not been leaking air before i started to work on my brakes. The bellow came apart from the holder while the car was jacked up. When you jack up the car the bellow stretches like an accordion and that's when it separated from the holder. I am thinking to glue it with automotive silicone or something like that. A new bellow costs $38 but i think i need to remove the strut in order to replace the bellow. Any help is appreciated

[Skylaw]

It might be better to use a very heavy duty nylon wire tie.

[carloslameiro]

Originally Posted by finntexan

Of the black coating, I was asking that also earlier but got no answer. Actually it is more or less cosmetic, it does not affect to the function or performance. The new top plate is black so painting the rest black as Eric242340 in China advices, works well enough. I plan to try later with black exterior siding caulk to give it "straight from the factory" look.

My car did not have any other signs than when jacking the front up, the air comes out from both sides. Wheels on ground, the air stays there. But I think that is already alarming sign.

Actually, I put last night the new top plates in and took photos. Bear with me, will take some time before I get the photos in a PDF here. But it was about one hour job per side, half of it just for carving the black filler out. I already wrote a description a couple of days ago on another thread.

Parts about $220 incl. shipping, DIY labor and the famous "special tools" (both) easy DIY in about one more hour. No big deal. But will be big deal if the air leaks on highway, or if you end up frying the compressor and/or relay due to prolonged leak.

Hello finntexan, I was wondering if you can let us know where the PDF with photos can be located. I have a '02 S500, and looking to fix after confirming bubbles coming through the cracks in the filler. Thx.

[Skylaw]

Some good photos are on the first page of this string. For more, see Air-matic failed !! - MBWorld.org Forums

If you're going to try the repair yourself, see post #2 at http://www.mbworld.org/forums/s-clas...-seal-kit.html

[carloslameiro]

Thanks Skylaw. i also found the post at
MBWorld.org Forums - View Single Post - Air-matic failed !!
to have very useful photos of before and after (although I understand that it is recommended to refill to better support brass "valve". excellent content. Thanks for the help - I will come back with any news about my fix.

[carloslameiro]

Hello all, i thought it may be useful to a few of us new benz owners to "see" a leak test of the upper seal of the front strut. i just uploaded a video to you tube
YouTube - mercedes benz S500 upper front strut leak test

Hope you find it useful.

this test indicates that the front passenger side strut is leaking, and needs to be resealed, probably with the existing fix kit from Merz Part #2203202538. This test was carried out with the car running in idle, and then pressing the "lift vehicle" button on the dashboard - to reallly increase the pressure inside the strut. It took about 30 sec for the bubbles to then escape.