Mercedes-Benz W220 air spring bellows and strut dust boot
W220 air spring leaks or the dust boot has torn, what should I do?
A worn air spring bellows is fixed by replacing the bellows or the whole strut. Air springs are typically among the first parts to fail on the W220. Dust boots are also available separately, but if the strut is worn out anyway, replacing only the boots is pointless.
Can I replace the W220 rear air spring myself?
It can be done, but the air suspension is pressurised and the car must be properly supported on stands, so the job is best left to a workshop. It involves detaching the top mounting and air line of the spring and the anti-roll bar link, and the hex socket bolts at the bottom are often seized. The system pressure is released in a controlled way before any connections are opened.
What should I be prepared for when fitting a new air spring?
Even a new air spring can be faulty, so watch how it works after the replacement and make a warranty claim if necessary. The suspension is a safety-critical part, so have a workshop check the result unless you are sure of your own work.