How to Spot Air Suspension Failure in Your Mercedes S-Class
Air suspension is an important aspect of the Mercedes S Class that makes it give owners a smooth ride. In contrast to the traditional coil spring suspension system, air suspension makes use of air bellows that are filled with compressed air to provide support and cushion the impact of unstable road surfaces on the vehicle. These airbags are operated by an onboard compressor, sensors, and valves that regulate the air pressure to give the right height.
This advanced system is intended to give you better handling and riding comfort through adjustment of the suspension height and stiffness based on the driving conditions. However, the air suspension system in your Mercedes S-Class can develop some problems over time. It is therefore advisable that you know how to identify signs of a failing air suspension so that you can fix the issues before they get out of hand or become too expensive and to ensure that you are getting the comfort and performance that you need from the car. Here are some symptoms to look at.
What Signs Should You Look For?
- Low or Unbalanced Height: Air suspension failure is characterized by a low or uneven car height, and this is one of the easiest to notice. When the air suspension system is functional, it maintains the car’s height at the right level. If a part of your S-Class seems to be resting lower than the other, or if the front or rear of the car is lower than the rest of it – this is a sign of a faulty air suspension. This may be attributed to a leakage in one of the air springs or a faulty air compressor.
- Air Compressor Running Constantly: The work of the air compressor system is to supply pressurized air to the air below to keep the appropriate ride height. If you find that the air compressor operates more often, or non-stop, then this may indicate that there is leakage in the system. The compressor is working so hard to try and replace the lost air within the system. This not only points to an issue but can also cause the compressor to burn out, which will mean a more expensive fix.
- Dashboard Warning Lights: Most contemporary cars, such as the Mercedes S-Class, have sophisticated diagnostic tools that notify you of problems through the symbols on the instrument cluster. If there is an issue with the air suspension, you could get a warning light that resembles an automobile with an arrow pointing up or down. It is advisable to observe the above-mentioned warning lights and get them remedied before they worsen the situation of the suspension system.
- Rough or Uncomfortable Ride: The next advantage of the air suspension system is that it gives a smooth ride to the passengers of the car. If you begin to feel that your Mercedes S-Class is less smooth to drive than it used to be or that you get bounced around more than you used to by bumps and potholes, then it could be that your air suspension is failing.
- Strange Noises: Other signs are audible, and include noises that are considered to be out of the ordinary. If you hear hissing sounds then it could be that there is a leakage of air. On the other hand, when the sound produced is a knocking or a clunking then it might be a sign that the suspension components are worn out. These noises are sometimes more audible especially when driving over a bumpy road or when crossing over a speed hump.
Do not leave all these signs to linger — take your car to a mechanic for repairs.
JCL Automotive Can Be Trusted With Mercedes S-Class Repairs
If you are in search of a reliable auto workshop that would provide you with responsive repair and maintenance services for your Mercedes, then JCL Automotive is the place to be. We operate from Hellertown, Pennsylvania, and we also cater to the neighboring towns as well. If you come across any of the above-mentioned air suspension failure signs in your Mercedes, do not drive on with the faults. Take it to our experts for the best care it deserves. For a continually smooth Mercedes driving experience, please contact us now at 484-851-3390.