Replacing air springs on a 2010 Mercedes-Benz S550 might seem daunting, especially when instructions mention specialized diagnostic tools. However, with the right approach and a few essential tools, you can tackle this job yourself, even without an Autel scanner. This guide provides a simplified, step-by-step process for deflating and replacing your S550’s rear air springs. While an Autel could offer advanced diagnostics, it’s not essential for this specific task.
Deflating and Replacing Your Air Springs: A Practical Approach
This guide outlines the procedure used on a 2010 E550 with 90,000 miles experiencing sagging rear suspension. The principles apply to the S550 as they share a similar air suspension system. Remember, safety is paramount. If you’re uncomfortable working with jacks or brakes, consult a professional.
Preparing for the Job
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools:
- Floor jack and jack stands: Ensure they’re compatible with Mercedes-Benz jack points.
- 17mm socket: For wheel lug nuts.
- 10mm wrench: For battery terminal and air line fitting.
- 7mm Allen socket: For brake caliper bolts.
- Large needle nose pliers: To remove the underbody plastic cover.
- Small screwdriver: To disconnect the shock sensor and potentially remove parts of the old air line fitting.
- Torque wrench: For brake caliper and wheel lug nut tightening.
- Drill with a small drill bit (e.g., 1/8″): To deflate the air spring.
Step-by-Step Procedure
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Loosen wheel bolts: Don’t remove them completely yet.
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Secure the vehicle: Jack up the car and place it securely on jack stands. Lifting from the differential and using jack stands on the designated rear jack points is recommended.
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Disconnect the battery: This prevents the airmatic system from activating while you work.
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Remove the wheel: Now, completely remove the wheel bolts and take off the wheel.
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Access the air spring: Remove the plastic underbody cover to access the bottom of the spring.
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Disconnect the shock sensor: Carefully detach the electrical connector from the base of the shock absorber.
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Remove the brake caliper: Unbolt the rear brake caliper to provide clearance for spring removal and installation. Torque caliper bolts to 28 ft-lbs upon reinstallation.
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Deflate the air spring: Drill a small hole (approximately 1/8″) in the old air spring to release the air pressure. This process is similar to deflating a tire.
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Disconnect the air line: Pull down the dust cover, expose the top of the spring, and disconnect the air line fitting. Inspect the line for damage and cover it to prevent contamination.
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Remove the old spring: Unseat the top and bottom of the air spring from their mounting points. You might need a hammer to loosen the bottom.
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Install the new spring: The new spring’s base is keyed, so ensure it’s correctly aligned before seating it in the lower arm. Align the air line fitting as well. Installing the new spring requires careful maneuvering. Slide it in, compress, and rotate until it’s properly seated.
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Connect the air line: Push the air line into the new fitting until it’s securely connected. Remove any protective plastic pieces from the fitting, but do not remove the brass fitting itself.
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Reconnect everything: Reattach the brake caliper (torque to 28 ft-lbs), reconnect the shock sensor, and reinstall the underbody cover.
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Reconnect the battery: Once the new spring is in place, reconnect the battery.
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Verify inflation: Check that the new spring inflates correctly.
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Reinstall the wheel: Mount the wheel and torque the lug nuts to 96 ft-lbs.
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Finalize brake system: Pump the brakes several times to reseat the brake pads.
Conclusion
Replacing the air springs on your 2010 S550 can be accomplished without specialized diagnostic equipment like an Autel. By following this guide, exercising caution, and using the right tools, you can successfully restore your vehicle’s ride height and comfort. Remember to double-check all connections and torque specifications before returning the vehicle to service. While this guide provides a detailed overview, always refer to your vehicle’s specific repair manual for detailed instructions and torque specifications. This process allows for a cost-effective solution to a common air suspension issue.
