Trying to figure out if the Air-matic suspension is leaking?

Tiny
SEBASTIAN1980
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 MERCEDES BENZ S500
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 117,000 MILES
Hi, I'm trying to figure out if the Air-matic suspension is leaking. I don’t have access to heavy tools like a compressor or an expensive diagnostic computer to diagnose the issue. My question is: Is there a way for me to manually test the Air-matic suspension using a hand pump or a tool that I can connect and screw into the Air-matic suspension valve (see photo) where the hose connects into? I did find one video on YouTube that mentioned using a Radiator Pressure gauge hand pump to test for leaks but did not give or show deep details on how to do it and what connectors to use to test Air-matic suspension.

Let me know if you have any tips or perhaps some DIY tips on how to do it.
Monday, January 27th, 2025 AT 10:42 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 49,127 POSTS
Yes, these shocks are like air balloons, you can use soapy water in a spray bottle to coat the shock while they have pressure in them to look for leaks. Next, you can rig an airline with a pressure gauge and pressure up one shock at a time to see if it holds the pressure over night. Most of the time it is the shocks that will leak. Let us know how it goes.
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Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 AT 10:30 AM
Tiny
SEBASTIAN1980
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I already tried the soapy water and couldn't find any leak. I was thinking of using some kind a hand pump with a gauge to put air in. So, my question is. Is it possible and if so, what tool to use and how to connect it to the main line of the air-matic suspension?
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Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 AT 11:12 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 49,127 POSTS
You will need to rig a tube and air pressure gauge set up with an air inlet valve to pressurize the shock. Then let is sit overnight to see if it has lost pressure. I don't know of a tool that does this.
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Wednesday, January 29th, 2025 AT 8:41 AM

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