[Gearheadx77]

Hey guys,

I know you've seen more treads about problems with AIRmatic suspensions (pumps, struts, relays, etc.), but I just have a question specifically about the issues I have on my car. I have a 2000 S430, and the pump blew recently after running continuously with the vehicle off, probably because the struts were leaking.

At this point, I know I have to replace the pump, and that really isn't a huge deal (~$350 online), but my question is, how do I know if the struts are absolutely shot and need replacement, or if only the top seal needs replacement? Now, bear in mind that this car has been slammed on the ground for over a week and a half now, and I have driven it for roughly 600 miles with the message "STOP-CAR TOO LOW!" displayed in the dash. I am assuming that the struts are destroyed at this point, having been driven on with no air in them for so many miles, but how do I know for sure?

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[rccmerc]

Hey guys,

I know you've seen more treads about problems with AIRmatic suspensions (pumps, struts, relays, etc.), but I just have a question specifically about the issues I have on my car. I have a 2000 S430, and the pump blew recently after running continuously with the vehicle off, probably because the struts were leaking.

At this point, I know I have to replace the pump, and that really isn't a huge deal (~$350 online), but my question is, how do I know if the struts are absolutely shot and need replacement, or if only the top seal needs replacement? Now, bear in mind that this car has been slammed on the ground for over a week and a half now, and I have driven it for roughly 600 miles with the message "STOP-CAR TOO LOW!" displayed in the dash. I am assuming that the struts are destroyed at this point, having been driven on with no air in them for so many miles, but how do I know for sure?

Thanks in advance for any help!

This is interesting - First the relays are known to fail and burn the pumps out. Also, if the pump is failed and the struts are leaking I doubt you could drive 600 miles as the struts would leak down and the fender liners would literally be sitting on top of the tires, and as you drove, would see pieces of the plastic fender liners and chunks of rubber from your tires flying off of the car.

 

[Gearheadx77]

Well I'll tell you, the car is practically sitting on top of the fenders. The tires only rub against the fenders while turning the wheel at slow speeds, but I don't think they're actually rubbing on the plastic wheel wells at all. Nevertheless, the car is really too low to be driving, but my stupidity keeps me from stopping. I would, however, like to fix the problem without replacing the struts.

Is it possible that the struts will not completely collapse for some reason? The pump has not run in probably two weeks, so I don't see how there could be any air in them. The rear of the car is not even close to being as low as the front, but if you pack a couple of friends back there, it's a draw. For some strange reason, the car will still drive almost normally, but it is dangerously low, and I am shocked that I have not had a disastrous accident as of yet.

I'd really hate to take it to the stealer and get it diagnosed. Last time I did that, they wanted my first born, an arm, and both legs.

 

[Gammaess]

Make sur that you get that relay fixed to a hella relay, The reason your pump kept running could have been just that faulty relay. Now you are really pushing your luck. If you really want to give your first born keep driving the car. Has the upper struts been changed before? you can tell by looking at them and there are many threads on what to look for in here. If you are dyi change your pump and relay and see if it holds up. But you will have to go to dealer to adjust your heights via star diag.

 

[Gearheadx77]

I don't believe the struts seals were replaced, but I will definitely check on that. I am going to order the pump online tonite and replace it, along with the relay, as soon as it comes in. I guess the worst case scenario is that I replace the pump and relay and I have to remove the relay if the bags are leaking to stop the pump from running overtime.


Thanks for the help guys, I'll keep you updated!

Hey, btw, do you guys have any particular site that you use when ordering parts that has good customer service, shipping, etc.? I know I have seen the pump available on several sites for roughly $350, but I just thought I'd like to support a good vendor.

 

[Gearheadx77]

Hey, and one more thing, how do I know if I have to replace that hose (part # 220 327 00 82) that all the parts website state?

 

[Gammaess]

First just do the pump and relay, then go forward, do not drive the car and the pump will not go on after car is off, if relay is good. Then check if car drops. fix upper struts or full replacemant, if needed, if it is all uneven and stays up you have to have dealer adjust.
If you are handy and you have read the threads. You will be just fine.

 

[Gearheadx77]

Thanks a lot for the help. I got the compressor in an hour ago, and went to the dealer today to buy the Hella relay ($70 later ). I will do the install tomorrow and then have the dealer set the ride height as soon as I'm done.

On a side note, do you have any tips or suggestions I should know about before doing this install? Do the air fittings require any special tools? I will search the forums for any DIY guides and such, but just curious if there's anything I should know before attempting it. Thanks again!

 

[Gammaess]

Do not drink and hide your hammers. above that sorry I have not been there yet, but please post your experience, and pics if possible. Good luck and best to you.

 

[Gearheadx77]

The pump was a joke to replace. Took all of 40 minutes to complete the job, but I had to run to AutoZone to grab a replacement hose that was torn and too short for the new pump. It seems that the ride height does not need to be set by the dealer, as the car immediately rose back to its original height after replacing the relay with the new Hella unit. Does anyone know what the proper height is supposed to be on these cars?

 

[koray]

can i ask a question??

can i prevent blowing of pump (by air leak) by replacing the relay with new one

 

[koray]

anybody ??

 

[TRICIAB]

CAN YOU HELP US WITH THE AIRING OF THE AIR SHOCKS IN THE FRONT? THE FUSE IS GOOD AND IT HAS A NEW RELAY; WE CANNOT HEAR THE PUMP GOING. wHAT IS NEXT?S

 

[Ramunsa]

what is so special about that HELLA relay ????

 

[Gearheadx77]

Well you are definitely going to want to replace the old relay with the new one, no matter what. The old Siemens relay will make the pump work OT, even when the car is off, in the middle of the night. So definitely replace the relay for the updated Hella relay. It is like $70, but still cheaper than a pump and a relay (>$400).