W221 S320 - rear of car dropped down

traffic0703

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I have some sort of air suspension failure on the S class.

The rear has dropped right down on both sides. The wheel arch right over the top of the tyre.

No warnings on dash.

If you push "raise vehicle" there is no reaction.

Happened on a very short journey, suddenly noticed there was a double bounce as slowly went over speed ramps. Pulled over after a short distance and noticed the rear end.

Drove it back home a short distance at a walking pace.

What may have happened?
 

Cole@MBS

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You need to get the rear level sensor rod checked, they rust and snap of, done a few now for this fault...........
 
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traffic0703

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thanks - I have no Mercedes specialist in my area so I am thinking I need to have the car recovered by the RAC to the main dealer in Sheffield.

If it is that, is it an expensive job?

Is there anything else that can cause the same symptoms?
 

Cole@MBS

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Rod is only about £25, its a bit of a pig to fit and normal garage should be able to trace a broken rod, its on the N/S........... near the electronic handbrake motor......
 
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traffic0703

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So STAR diagnostics not needed, it would be visual check?

I assume I am correct in thinking the car has to be recovered to a garage?

If the sensor rod fails, does that knock out the whole air suspension, ie the pump won't run etc?
 

star

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As Cole, seen a few times. The pump won't run as there is no demand because the sensor is in the incorrect position.
 
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traffic0703

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a bit more advice re bracket

Car has had a basic exam at the roadside.

There is indeed a problem around the rear level sensor.

It can be seen that the rod has broken away from where it fits to the suspension (is it a ball joint there?)

RAC tied it up with a cable tie and suspension started working (raised up).

The rod itself seems to be in one bit but has broken from bracket?

Does it need a new rod?
 

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Car has had a basic exam at the roadside.

There is indeed a problem around the rear level sensor.

It can be seen that the rod has broken away from where it fits to the suspension (is it a ball joint there?)

RAC tied it up with a cable tie and suspension started working (raised up).

The rod itself seems to be in one bit but has broken from bracket?

Does it need a new rod?

Rod come complete with bracket.
 
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traffic0703

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fitting clip to antiroll bar

thanks. Part obtained from dealer.

Is there a knack with fitting the clip onto the anti-roll bar?
 

Cole@MBS

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Last time I used a kind nose set of pliers....
 
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traffic0703

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getting into a mess - help needed!

The car is at a "general" garage (who I know and have used lots before) but they are not used to the car or this job. They don't have STAR.

Can I firstly ask what you dismantled to fit the clip of the rod to the anti roll bar??

They are wondering if drive shaft needs to come off?

How long does job normally take?


When car was recovered the rear sensor was tied up causing rear end to be at very high position. (this was done to get car onto trailer). The dash was stating "vehicle rising - wait" all the time when running. Front of car was normal height.

The car is currently on the ramps. Now the rear end is still very high but front of car is VERY low. Dash now reading "car too low - stop" all the time. I believe they tried to move rear sensor by hand but suspension height did not react back or front.

Sorry to go on but concerned that when the new part is fitted the suspension won't react as it should do.:(

Any advice very welcome!
 
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traffic0703

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good ending

Car has been repaired.
Garage found a way to fit part without too much dismantling and suspension levels took care of themselves once car off ramps.:)
 

television

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Wonderful news, thanks for posting back.
 

stainless

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Hi i currently have this problem on my 2007 320 cdi.
I purchased the part from the dealer ( A 221 320 25 89 )
could anyone tell me how to fit the new part as i am
having a bit of difficulty,Any tips would be great.
Thanks.
 

bembo449

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they are a pig to fit and car needs to be on a ramp pal , its obvious once your stood underneath looking at it how it fits
 

stainless

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they are a pig to fit and car needs to be on a ramp pal , its obvious once your stood underneath looking at it how it fits
Ok,will go and have another try at it.Thanks
 

Boxster s

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Ok,will go and have another try at it.Thanks
How did you get on fitting the rear sensor?I to have had the sensor rod snap and Imy having trouble putting the new one on. The bracket is the problem any tips how to clip it around the anti roll bar would be great. Thanks
 

stainless

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How did you get on fitting the rear sensor?I to have had the sensor rod snap and Imy having trouble putting the new one on. The bracket is the problem any tips how to clip it around the anti roll bar would be great. Thanks
Hi i gave up and got the local garage to fit the sensor.They said it was a nightmare of a job .I imagine merc garages will use a special made long nose tool of sorts to do this repair.Hope this helps.
 

mioba

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Hi i gave up and got the local garage to fit the sensor.They said it was a nightmare of a job .I imagine merc garages will use a special made long nose tool of sorts to do this repair.Hope this helps.

Yes its amazing how many workshop only tools there are out there. Makes you go back to the dealers more often than not unless you have a good indy.
 


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