Help-2004 4,4i sport package left rear shock sagged after being parked for three days

[bcolins]

After being parked Thursday,....when I returned on Sunday,....the left rear corner had dropped about 4". Its level with the top of the tire. Started it and it came back up last night. Waiting now to see what it does.

My best guess is that since it dropped on one side only and I don't have any warning lights,....that most likely it is the shock itself that is leaking and not a sensor or improperly positioned linkage that I have read about here,.....as those cases always seem to have BOTH SIDES dropping.

Am I correct on my thinking on that,.....since its one side only?? How do I pinpoint the leak location? Do I spray soapy water on the shock and elsewhere,.....or, do I just listen for a hissing sound??

Brian in Cedar Park

I have had a number of self leveling BMW and Mercedes cars over the years,.....always problematic,....honestly, I don't know why manufacturers continue to use them.

[Ricky Bobby]

If it drops overnight again you don't even need to leak test it.

Just order the pair of Arnott replacements, they have a lifetime warranty.

[bcolins]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

If it drops overnight again you don't even need to leak test it.

Just order the pair of Arnott replacements, they have a lifetime warranty.

Yeah, I have seen them for $133 and $137 each and read the recommendation to do both.

I edited my original post to clarify my question,.....since its only sagging on one side,....can I eliminate sensor and linkage issues as the problem and safely assume that it is the shock??

[Ricky Bobby]

To answer your original question yes. And if the bags are original, double yes.

Leaking down overnight when parked is not to do with the sensor or linkage issues. Perhaps if the vehicle is running and it randomly drops and stays there, that is something totally different.

If parked the vehicle is in sleep mode (including the height sensors), if it leaks down it is just leaking air

[bcolins]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

To answer your original question yes. And if the bags are original, double yes.

Leaking down overnight when parked is not to do with the sensor or linkage issues. Perhaps if the vehicle is running and it randomly drops and stays there, that is something totally different.

If parked the vehicle is in sleep mode (including the height sensors), if it leaks down it is just leaking air

One other question. watching Motorweek a while back,....the tech guy said that sometimes it's just a fitting or check valve that has failed or is leaking. Is this never the case with the E53s?

[bcredliner]

Before ordering air bags I would do the soap and water test beginning at the bag. You may find that it is an air line or connection rather than the bag. Always verify unless it is obvious what is wrong.

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by bcolins

After being parked Thursday,....when I returned on Sunday,....the left rear corner had dropped about 4". Its level with the top of the tire. Started it and it came back up last night. Waiting now to see what it does.

My best guess is that since it dropped on one side only and I don't have any warning lights,....that most likely it is the shock itself that is leaking and not a sensor or improperly positioned linkage that I have read about here,.....as those cases always seem to have BOTH SIDES dropping.

Am I correct on my thinking on that,.....since its one side only?? How do I pinpoint the leak location? Do I spray soapy water on the shock and elsewhere,.....or, do I just listen for a hissing sound??

Brian in Cedar Park

I have had a number of self leveling BMW and Mercedes cars over the years,.....always problematic,....honestly, I don't know why manufacturers continue to use them.

Because people continues to buy their cars with these features.

[bcolins]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

Before ordering air bags I would do the soap and water test beginning at the bag. You may find that it is an air line or connection rather than the bag. Always verify unless it is obvious what is wrong.

I pulled out everything covering the airspring location yesterday. There is just a short line going directly from the air reservoir to the top of the Air Spring. I sprayed that area with soapy water and no bubbling. Cant really get to the air spring itself while its in the truck,...wondering if I can remove the air spring, reconnect it inside the truck, then start the truck to pump it up and spray it with soapy water,......anyone tried this?