Viano Suspension Failure

[wimpler]

Tried to drive the Viano from the driveway and it's making horrible noises. It appears the front, drivers-side suspension has collapsed (it's now much lower than the passenger side). The dash shows "1 Malfunction" but doesn't say what. I know the Viano can suffer from air-suspension problems but I thought this was only for the rear. Does it have air suspension on the front? Any ideas/help/suggestions very welcome!

Thinking about it... the self-levelling air suspension has been a bit funny. It'd occasionally come on for no reason. Last month the ENR light on the dash would stay on for a while but it's been fine for weeks now. Coincidence?

TIA

 

[47p2]

Springs on the front, if one spring is broken it will go down on its nose due to the weight of the engine over the front suspension. Best buy new springs from MB, they are are colour coded and you should get the correct ones at less than £50 each. Don't forget to change both them. I changed my ARB bushes and drop links at the same time as the springs

 

[wimpler]

Thanks very much, John. I'll jack it up tonight and "hope" it's just a broken spring. Ringing MB now to get a price and availability.

 

[47p2]

The strut has to be removed to change the spring. Best left to those that know what they are doing as it is a powerful spring and you don't really want it flying around when under tension. Don't forget at the bottom of the strut, the top bolt that connects to the hub carrier is for the camber and is eccentric so has to go back in exactly as it comes out, and needs to be marked with a centre punch or dab of paint

 

[wimpler]

Thanks for the tips, John! I've not managed to jack it up yet and check but closer inspection shows the spring now jammed onto the inside of the tyre. I'd have thought that a broken spring would at least remain seated away from the tyre so maybe it's a bit more serious than first thought. Soon see I guess.

 

[47p2]

Mine was also touching the tyre, fortunately no dameage done which was a relief.

 

[Ingrid holland-vos]

Hello , please can you tell me if my mercedes viano 2007 ambient 2.2 could be converted to springs as I have had nothing put trouble with the air suspension . I'm completely devastated as I use this for my business . Please can anyone advise?? I would be so grateful .(I had a new compressor fitted in December for £500 . Thank you for looking

 

[M80]

Yes there are conversions available. I couldn't direct you to one I would recommend as I have no experience, and tbh the rear air suspension is one of the attributes of the Viano. It improves the drive.