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Rear suspension bottomed out and wont raise

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Old 01-25-2015, 08:50 PM
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Originally Posted by bagpipingandy
that lager 8mm plastric hose in that video is a red herring, it is the output hose, this is where air comes out when the car lowers, the N111 solenoid valve on the compressor opens along with the valve block valves and lets air vent back through this pipe, i assume to silence it, a hole in it will potentially let dirt into the compressors intake, but not reduce the pressure.
OK, I wondered about that video. It didn't make sense but I thought maybe I misunderstood how something worked.

Well my shiny (expensive) new compressor arrived this weekend and I installed it today. That was definitely the problem, as soon as it ran the bags started inflating and all seems to be well again!

I bench tested the old one again and found that no air is coming out at all. It is all going out through the vent tube. This tells me that the N111 solenoid is stuck in the open position and is letting the air out as fast as the compressor "makes" it. Is this correct? If so, is this a mechanical failure or an electronic failure? I would like to repair the old compressor if possible and I would like to know what the actual problem was, not only for my own knowledge but for anyone else that may read this in the future.
Old 01-28-2015, 03:52 AM
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remove the 2 torx screws holding the N111 valve in, and remove valve, plunger and spring, it is possible the spring broke or it is rusted stuck, this would cause all air to just be sent out the large plastic pipe

if you dont decide to repair it "todd g" a few posts down is needing a compressor motor

regards

Andy
Old 01-28-2015, 06:23 AM
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If I can be of any assistance, please let me know. I'll answer any question I can.

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Old 01-28-2015, 10:04 AM
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Default Not sure that this applies to the Allroad Compressors though.

Originally Posted by Redline21
Thanks for all the info. I pulled the compressor out last night and direct wired it to the battery. It is pushing air out, but it certainly isn't a ton of air, or at least there isn't a lot of pressure to it. Unfortunately I don't know how that compares to what a good compressor would put out. The odd thing here is that when it is working the compressor raises the car just fine. However I have notice fluctuations in the tone of the compressor. It will occasionally change to a deeper tone, like it is under a heavy load. Usually only for a second or two. In any case, most signs do seem to point to a compressor issue. I am about to pull the trigger on ordering one.

I did stumble upon this:

2001 Mercedes S430 Suspension Airmatic Pump Leak Problem - YouTube

When I was bench testing the compressor last night I found that it was indeed leaking at the curved end of this hose. I sealed it up with some RTV sealer but after putting things back together I still have no lift. I'm wondering if I have two problems here, intermittent no-lift and a compressor leak that is blowing fuses. In which case hopefully I just fixed the compressor leak and won't blow any more fuses if I can get the lift issue sorted out.

When the system vents air, where does it release it through? The pneumatic valve on the compressor?
good video and great tip on the Hose upgrade!

1) Not sure that this applies to the Allroad Compressors though...looks like the Allroad Compressors already include this type of design...can anyone confirm?

2)) only thing that the video didn't mention is whether or not the right side cylinder area needs to have a different configuration (be changed out) when using the new revised hose or whether it is the same piece as before. Can anyone confirm?

it looks like no change is needed, except for the MBZ part number A 220 327 00 00

3) does the OEM connecting hose reach to the new connection location on the right side or did that need to be lengthened?
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Last edited by todd g; 01-28-2015 at 11:34 AM. Reason: added picture of the Allroad Compressor showing tubing for comparison
Old 01-28-2015, 10:09 AM
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Default is there anyone in the US who can rebuild the motor portion?

Originally Posted by PetrolBear
It does not seem an easy case!
Just a quick feedback - I hope you will be able to solve this soon.

Possible problems - you schould check them out systematically! :

- LCM module damaged due to overheating of some components. Reason is the too often operation of the compressor during the decades It can go wrong after 10-11 years, so it is possible. The module should be able to communicate via OBD without interruptions. it is important. If you "loose it" sometimes, but the power positive (terminal 30) is OK, it means the module is dying.
- Magnet valve block. I don"t think so! They go wrong rarely (except if moisture comes into the airlines)
- electrical wiring. Rarely goes wrong, but check for the connections at the wheel level sensors!
- Wheel level sensors. Highly possible! Check for good mechanical ability and clean signals. In case the transmit a false signal, it can lead the LCM module to adjust false level positions - believe it or not, even from a bigger bump (reason: mechanical pinching, bad signal) The turning discs can be rusty after 8-10 years. Cleaning usually solves the problem. Note: the level can be measured even if only one level sensor per axle is in operation. If both fail, the LCM module looses the car's position.
- N111. Rarely goes wrong. Can be replaced with the compressor as I recall (it sits on it)
- Error code G291? If yes, do not change the valve block autmatically! It means that there is insufficient pressure in the alu tank -> compressor is weak or there is serious leak
- Plastic pipes. Rarely go wrong! Assembly failure happens sometimes..
- Compressor. Yes, you changed the o-ring but you need to measure the produced pressure in the alu tank ( via OBD again). In case the compressor cannot reach 11 bar, throw it out. I think your compressor is dying. Blowing the 40A fuse means it draws too much current. It is the sign that a magnet has been released on the electric motor and causes a partial short circuit (inside!). Take a look at the onboard voltage meter, in case you hear a change in the compressor's noise. If it comes to a deeper, slows down, you might see that the onboard voltage drop even to 12,6 volts, temporarily -> partial short in the compressor.
- The relay of the compressor can also make problems but that is not so common. In case you buy a new compressor, you should change the relay switch as well. Highly recommended.
- overnight parking test in jack mode, at level 2 and level 1. Measure the distance at each wheel (evening, morning) Temperature drift may occur, but that take approx the same 1/10, 1/8 inch loss.

The best way to check all these, you schould ask the shop to make LIVE data via the OBD panel, with a notebook in the hand, with the (e.g.) VCDS software. That means that you drive the car, and he tests the functions. All errors can be measured this way, such as: loosing air at any corners (on bumpy road, levels...) readiness of the aluminum tank up to 16,5 bar (or less , due to bad compressor?) , you can get the error codes and even, the operational situation of the compressor! I highly recommend this.
"sign that a magnet has been released on the electric motor and causes a partial short circuit (inside!).:"

is there anyone in the US who can rebuild the Motor portion?

any reason not to take it to a Starter/Alternator rebuild shop?

Last edited by todd g; 01-28-2015 at 02:51 PM.
Old 01-28-2015, 08:07 PM
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Originally Posted by todd g
good video and great tip on the Hose upgrade!

1) Not sure that this applies to the Allroad Compressors though...looks like the Allroad Compressors already include this type of design...can anyone confirm?

2)) only thing that the video didn't mention is whether or not the right side cylinder area needs to have a different configuration (be changed out) when using the new revised hose or whether it is the same piece as before. Can anyone confirm?

it looks like no change is needed, except for the MBZ part number A 220 327 00 00

3) does the OEM connecting hose reach to the new connection location on the right side or did that need to be lengthened?
As Andy pointed out to me, whomever made that video is mistaken. That hose already vents air so any leaks in it should be a non-issue.
Old 01-28-2015, 08:10 PM
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Originally Posted by bagpipingandy
remove the 2 torx screws holding the N111 valve in, and remove valve, plunger and spring, it is possible the spring broke or it is rusted stuck, this would cause all air to just be sent out the large plastic pipe

if you dont decide to repair it "todd g" a few posts down is needing a compressor motor

regards

Andy
I pulled N111 apart the first time I had the compressor out. The spring was not broken but there was indeed some rust in there. Not sure that there was enough to keep it from functioning, but who knows. I'll reach out to todd g as I don't really want to waste a lot of time trying to rebuild mine.
Old 02-02-2015, 12:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Redline21
I pulled N111 apart the first time I had the compressor out. The spring was not broken but there was indeed some rust in there. Not sure that there was enough to keep it from functioning, but who knows. I'll reach out to todd g as I don't really want to waste a lot of time trying to rebuild mine.
redline-

pls. private message me so we can talk on the phone and figure out if it makes sense for me to try using parts of your compressor in combination with mine. thanks. i'll try to PM you too.

thx

todd
Old 02-02-2015, 01:01 PM
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if anyone else in the US has a compressor that the motor is good on, that is sitting around or going to the junk pile, garbage, etc, please save it for me and help me get my compressor working again!

my compressor has a recent piston ring rebuild kit from Andy, but some part of the motor is kaput, so i am looking for a good 2nd hand motor portion of the compressor. any leads or ideas, please let me know! thanks.
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