[BENZIN]

I had for some time this message, today morning it appeared just after starting the car (usually it was during driving), picture at the bottom.

Now the car doesn't lift up, after a check with star it says that the time to obtain the pressure value is too long and/or that there's a leak.
I ran a compressor test and the pressure was still in the red after 40s. (~13bar).

It seems that the compressor is less noisy than before , thought it was dead before noticing the pressure value raising till 13 bars. But the car doesn't lift up with 13 bars either, is there a secure mode if pressure stays in red ?

If it helps pinpointing, both front struts are very deep (-70mm), the rear is nearly OK with is range.

Thanks for your help, it's the first problem with the air compressor system and my first use of DAS. :nerd

 

[Kajtek1]

How does the system gets to 13 bars?
If it comes quickly and doesn't go more, it is more likely leak, if it takes forever to gets to 13 bars, that more likely is worn compressor ring. There is guy in UK that sells repair kits on ebay for $37.
Still spry bottle with soapy water can be big help in troubleshooting.

 

[BENZIN]

In fact it was the first time that I saw how the pressure was building itself with the star procedure, pratically it's a 40 sec test and the pressure had to be in the green zone during the test, the pressure in my case rose in a linear way to 13 bar and about 30 sec.
So I can't really say what quickly means here !?

As you suggested I ordered a kit to repair the compressor if the problem comes from it. It should arrive soon.

According to another post here ( http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w211-e-class/1598979-w211-2004-e500-4matic-wagon-replace.html ), the compressor is "inside" the left front fender, I have to remove the wheel and the plastic shield to access it, if there's a picture somewhere to get a glance before the work it would be nice.

 

[Kajtek1]

I did remove the compressor just for inspection and it wasn't that hard.
I think I took some pictures but would have to look for them.
Once you on it, it is good time to replace the filter and consider baking the drier granules.

 

[BENZIN]

Just took a look and I guess I found the problem, still need to replace the air tube (translucent with a 10mm hex at its both end) coming out of the air compressor till the air distributor. It was frowzy because of the plastic wheel shield. Some electronic connector are frowzy as well for the same reason.

Btw, is it possible to remove the air filter without removing the compressor ?
Don't know where it is.

Thanks !

 

[Kajtek1]

The filter is on front of the compressor. It might be possible to get to it from under, but I had compressor removed so don't know for sure.
I bought fitting to install Tee and pressure gauge to monitor the system as I don't like the idea about computer killing the compressor without letting you know, but am occupy with other priorities lately. Still with any troubles the gauge is the first to install.

 

[BENZIN]

Thank you Kajtek1, I'll try since I'm there.
I remember your last year post about your project to know when the compressor is working :smile
I'll replace the tube tomorrow and if it's OK I'll confirm here.

 

[BENZIN]

The car lift up after replacing the air tube, I didn't drive the car but everything seems OK with the suspension. I'll order a new air filter that I'll put in a box with the compressor kit already ordered :smile

Thank you again for your help Kajtek1 :wink

 

[Kajtek1]

Good to hear it is working now.
Did you record how long compressor took to pump the suspension?
Lot of reports say the compressor comes on opening the door. Our wagon for over a year was garage queen and after a week one side would visibly sag. Yet I never heard the compressor, nor SBC engaging.
I mean they had to come later on, but I never heard them over engine noise.

 

[BENZIN]

I didn't control the time it took to rise up, if you want I can make a test in the same conditions than you, just tell me wich ones and I give you back the pressure values and times needed to obtain these conditions.

I don't have a direct visual to check pressure like you but I suppose the sensor used to control pressure (and used by Star) is located on the same place than your needle.