At our Doctor Benz workshop, we offer the following services:
1. Car suspension diagnostics.
The following signs may indicate that the suspension needs to be checked:
• Reduced driving comfort. The car has become unstable on uneven roads at high speeds or when braking, or there is excessive body roll when cornering.
• Unusual noises and rattles. The most common signs of suspension faults are noise, humming, and rattling whilst driving, particularly when cornering or over uneven surfaces.
• Unusual tyre wear. If the car’s tyres are wearing unevenly or faster than usual, this may be a sign of incorrect fitting or wear of suspension components.
• Steering problems. The car pulls to one side whilst driving.
Suspension diagnostics at the Doctor Benz workshop involve several stages:
• Checking the play in the CV joints and the condition of the ball joints.
• Checking the integrity of the dust boots, bushings and silent blocks.
• Visual inspection for cracks or chips in the springs.
• Checking for oil leaks from shock absorbers.
• Checking wheel hub bearings.
• Checking the tie rod ends and steering rack.
At Doctor Benz, we always check the condition of the suspension components during every service.
However, if you notice any changes in the car’s behaviour, such as noises or vibrations whilst driving, we recommend that you contact the workshop immediately.
2. AIRMATIC repairs.
The following symptoms indicate that the AIRMATIC system requires repair:
• AIRMATIC error messages on the instrument panel.
• The car does not raise after a long period of inactivity.
• The air suspension compressor does not engage: no operating noise is heard, and the car does not raise.
• The compressor operates noisily.
• The vehicle body sags towards the rear or front axle, or is noticeably tilted diagonally.
• Difficulties switching between modes (Comfort, Sport).
• Vibration is felt when driving over uneven surfaces, and unusual noises are audible..
Repairs at the Doctor Benz workshop always begin with an AIRMATIC computer diagnostic test. The air springs, compressor, air tank and system piping are also checked.
3. Repair of ABC (Active Body Control).
ABC (Active Body Control) in Mercedes-Benz vehicles ensures enhanced comfort and safety whilst driving. Comfort and safety in the active suspension are the main advantages of this system. The suspension is controlled by software; the entire calculation programme, determining how and when to respond, and the entire operating algorithm are embedded in the ABC control unit.
The following symptoms indicate that the ABC system requires repair:
• the vehicle lurches when in park;
• the vehicle moves up or down of its own accord;
• the Active Body Control fault light comes on when driving over uneven surfaces;
• fluid leaks;
• a knocking noise from the shock absorbers.
At Doctor Benz, repairs to the ABC suspension are carried out only after a comprehensive diagnostic check. Depending
on the condition of the faulty component, it is either repaired or replaced.
4. Replacing air springs.
An air spring is one of the main components of an air suspension system. It is a chamber whose volume increases or decreases as air is pumped in or released. Air springs are used to adjust the vehicle’s ride height.
Signs of damage to the air spring and indications that it needs repairing include:
• The car has tilted onto one wheel or is leaning to one side after being parked for a long period.
• Noise and whistling around the shock absorbers after the compressor is switched on.
• Unusual noises or sounds whilst the car is moving.
• The car sags after the engine is started.
• Poor handling, particularly noticeable when cornering.
• The air suspension does not maintain the correct level.
• The car does not lift.
• A hissing sound from under the wing.
• An air suspension fault appears on the display.
The main cause of a fault in an air spring is a loss of airtightness. The air spring leaks air, and as a result of this fault, the air suspension fails to function properly.
At Doctor Benz, we repair air suspension systems for Mercedes-Benz (AIRMATIC) , BMW (EHC), Land Rover, Range Rover, Toyota (TEMS) and Lexus (AVS). We are pleased to offer both original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts and aftermarket parts, all backed by a warranty.
Doctor Benz can also offer repair (refurbishment) services for air suspension components. This repair method is far more cost-effective than purchasing new original spare parts; moreover, as the repair is based on the original part, you can be confident that the component will be fitted in accordance with the repair manual without the need for any additional modifications.
Price Table
| Service | Price, from |
|---|---|
| Air suspension diagnostics | €50 |
| Air spring replacement | €60 |
| Shock absorber replacement | €70 |
| Air suspension compressor replacement | €80 |