What Happens When Your Mercedes Air Suspension Fails In Seaside?

So, your Mercedes is pulling to one side when driving on a straight road… There can be many reasons why a vehicle’s handling capabilities may diminish; the most obvious being a problem in the suspension system. Today’s blog post goes over some of the prominent reasons and signs of air suspension failure in Mercedes cars. The post also highlights its impact on the vehicle’s safety and handling. Let’s start by discussing the basics; what is an air suspension system, and how does it differ from conventional ones?

Air Suspension System Simplified

Although air suspension systems and traditional coil spring suspensions share many similarities… their operational principles and capabilities differ significantly from each other. Air suspensions make use of air-filled bags or bellows instead of coil springs to support the vehicle’s weight and provide a comfortable ride for passengers. To regulate pressure inside those bellows, air-suspension systems rely on a network of parts such as compressors, air lines, valves, and height sensors.

Although the air suspension system incorporated into your Mercedes is integrated with other electronic systems of the vehicle, it is largely automated. It is capable of automatically adjusting the ride height for better handling and comfort. But the problem with such high-end systems is that they can sometimes experience issues, both electrical and mechanical.

Understanding Why Air Suspension Fails

Air leaks

Air suspension works by adjusting air pressure inside the system. If air leaks out of the system because of a defective seal or a cracked air line, it will have an adverse impact on the vehicle’s ride quality and safety. Loss of air pressure because of leaks may cause the suspension to sag below the intended ride height. Not only can this destabilize the vehicle’s handling, but it may also pose safety risks to the driver and passengers.

Compressor issue

Another leading reason behind air suspension failure in vehicles is compressor malfunction. Compressor is the part around which your vehicle’s air suspension system revolves. You can think of it as the heart of the air suspension mechanism which is responsible for pressurizing and pumping air into the air springs. A glitch in a part of such significance can cause your Mercedes’ air suspension system to act up. Mechanical wear, electrical failures, and valve issues are some of the leading reasons behind compressor failure.

Electrical & sensor problems

Air suspensions modern-day cars come equipped with rely on all sorts of electrical components such as sensors, control modules, and wiring to monitor and regulate the vehicle’s ride height and stiffness. If one of the sensors malfunctions or the control module develops a fault, communication between key air suspension system parts of your Mercedes will be interrupted. This is something that can cause the air suspension system to act erratically.

Assessing The Impacts

Difficulty handling the vehicle

The suspension system does more than just absorb shocks and vibrations when driving over bumpy roads. By improving traction and grip, the suspension system allows the driver to control the vehicle in a more effective way. If for some reason your Mercedes’ air suspension acts up, its handling and stability will be adversely impacted. You might have to deal with increased body roll, uneven tire wear, impaired braking performance, and a bunch of other drivability problems.

Sagging vehicle

If your Mercedes is appearing lower than usual on one side, it could be because one of its air bellows is damaged and needs replacement. Air bellows, as discussed earlier, are responsible for supporting the vehicle’s weight and adjusting ride height using compressed air. Leaky bellows won’t be able to hold air properly- which can cause the suspension to sag on side.

Bumpy ride

The suspension system essentially absorb vibrations and shocks from the road surface; thereby providing a comfortable ride for passengers. If there is something off with the compressor or if the bellows are losing pressure due to leaks, the suspension system won’t be able to absorb impacts from uneven road surfaces. This can result in a harsher ride quality, in addition to a host of handling issues.

Marlow Motor-Werks: Seaside’s Leading Mercedes Service Center

In addition to supporting the vehicle’s weight, the suspension system helps maintain proper balance during maneuvers. If you don’t want your Mercedes’ handling and stability to be compromised, ensure the upkeep of its air suspension. Routine inspections, timely maintenance, and prompt replacement of defective suspension system parts is crucial for your vehicle’s overall handling and stability.

If you are in Seaside, CA, or neighborhood cities, feel free to reach out to us at Marlow Motor-Werks to have your Mercedes’ air suspension serviced. Call us at 831-394-6600 or visit our website to schedule an appointment today.