How to prevent the damage of air springs / How to extend the service life of air springs/struts?
We are keenly aware, that the repair of your air suspension parts is neither inexpensive nor desirable. However, what can be done to increase the durability of your parts? Here are a few tips that will help you, perhaps not to avoid the repair altogether, but to at least postpone its due.
An air strut with separable air springs
If your vehicle offers a separable air suspension (Audi Allroad A6 C5, Mercedes-Benz W164, BMW X5), you should regularly (about once a week) lift the car to the maximum position, and remove dirt with a high-pressure cleaner (keep the cleaner at a distance to the air spring about 30 cm/12 inches, otherwise water pressure can damage the air spring). The highest position may vary depending on your model and regulation options. Therefore, please test this by trying the different modes available to you (Sport, comfort, dynamic, off-road) and choose the one that sets your vehicle to the highest position. The dirt will most likely be found under the fold of the pneumatic chambers. If you find a frozen layer of bitumen on the piston guide (the part of a strut on which the air spring is installed), it is recommended to clean it as well. Whenever possible, avoid riding on fresh asphalt, as fresh bitumen mixed with sand immediately results in a build-up of abrasives on the piston and in turn contributes to accelerated wear and tear of the air spring.
A complete air suspension shock
Many cars such as Mercedes W220 or W211 are set up with a complete air strut - shock absorber and air spring visually form a complete spare part. In many cases, you can easily recognize these by the metal cups with which the air spring is tightly mounted. To best avoid any damage, we highly recommend to regularly check the condition of the dust protection seals of the air strut.
What does the manufacturer number (OEM) stand for and why do some products have more than one?
The car manufacturers assign a number for each of their products. With this number you can find the product you are looking for. When the OEM number you are looking for is listed in the respective product information, the product is compatible with your vehicle. You can find the OEM number in the product information field:
Sometimes the car manufacturers assign more than one OEM number for a product. If you can find the OEM number you are looking for in the product information, then the product is compatible with your vehicle.
What is the difference between an air spring and an air strut?
The air spring is a part of the air strut. Some vehicles (e.g. Mercedes ML) allow you to change the air spring separately. At our online shop you have the opportunity to buy either the whole air strut or only the air spring. For some type of vehicles it is not possible to change the air spring separately. In this case the whole air strut should be replaced.
What is the warranty on Aerosus products?
Our products are covered by a 2-year warranty. To return a product, fill in this return form and enclose it in your return package. If the part is defective we will either send you a new product or repair the part. Our Terms and Conditions apply.
What does 4MATIC mean?
4MATIC is the marketing name of a four-wheel drive system developed by Mercedes-Benz. It is designed to increase traction in slippery conditions.
What does VDS mean and how can I tell if my vehicle is equipped with VDS?
„VDS“ = Variable Damping Suspension. This system is specific to Range Rover products and similar in its functionality to alternatives like ADS (adaptive damping system) form Mercedes. Air suspension units that are equipped with this system feature a adjustable softness. This function is used in vehicles with adjustable comfort or sport modes. Range Rover products with VDS come with an additional supply cord located at the top of the air strut. Air struts without VDS lack this cable.
Air struts with VDS.
Air struts without VDS.
What does AIRMATIC mean?
AIRMATIC is a Mercedes-Benz trademark for vehicles with air suspension systems. Compared with a conventional steel suspension, the AIRMATIC air suspension provides advantages in terms of handling safety and ride comfort. The AIRMATIC air suspension automatically adjusts the damping force on each wheel according to the current state of the road.
What does ABC mean?
ABC (Active Body Control) is a registered Mercedes-Benz trademark. It is a high-quality suspension system, which automatically adapts the suspension setting to the respective driving situation. There is also a crosswind stabilisation integrated in ABC systems.
How can I see if my vehicle is equipped with AIRMATIC or ABC?
You can check which suspension you have by opening the bonnet of your car and examining the top of the shock absorber.
If your vehicle is equipped with AIRMATIC, you will have obvious air lines leading from the top of the shocks:
If your vehicle is equipped with ABC, you will have small black electrical plugs leading into the top of both shocks:
What does ADS mean and how can I tell if my vehicle is equipped with ADS?
ADS (Active Damping Systems) is a Mercedes-Benz trademark. The Adaptive Damping System automatically alters the air suspension settings to ensure the driver has high levels of control regardless of the driving conditions. You can check if your vehicle is equipped with ADS by examining the AIRMATIC control button on the dash panel below the air conditioning control:
How can I be sure that there is an air leak in my air suspension system?
Common signs of an air leak include the car sitting lower than usual after being parked for some time (24/48h), we recommend you measure all four sides of the vehicle and note them. If there is a major difference, there might be an air leak (You should measure between the centre of your wheel to the start of the fender lip). The suspension system frequently needs to pump air while driving if there is an air leak. You may also notice a hissing sound coming from the suspension springs/struts or other components.
Additional notes
Even though you do not see growing bubbles, that does not mean there is NO air leak in the system. If you are concerned about a component leaking, also the part is uninstalled, you can apply a submersion test by applying pressurized air under the water.
The most reliable test among these recommended tests is the 24-hour interval while the vehicle level measurement is stopped.
How to measure the ride height of the air suspension system
What are the main areas to check for air leaks in the suspension system?
The main areas to inspect for air leaks are:
Air Springs/Struts: Check for visible damage or wear and tear.
Air Lines: Inspect for cracks or loose connections.
Valve Blocks: Ensure all valves are functioning correctly and not leaking.
Compressor: Listen for unusual noises indicating a leak or malfunction.
Reservoir(Air tanks): Listen to the hissing sounds and observe wear and tear.
How can I test for air leaks in the air suspension system?
One effective method is the soapy water test:
Mix a solution of water and dish soap.
Spray or apply the solution to the suspected areas.
Observe for any bubbles growing, which indicate a leak.
What tools do I need to check for air leaks?
Basic tools and materials include:
Soapy water solution in a spray bottle.
A flashlight for better visibility.
Can I drive my car if there is an air leak in the suspension system?
It is not advisable to drive with a suspected air leak, as it can lead to further damage to the suspension system and affect vehicle handling and safety. Have the issue inspected and repaired as soon as possible.
How can I prevent air leaks in the suspension system?
Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent air leaks. Ensure that all components are in good condition and replace any worn or damaged parts promptly. Avoid overloading your vehicle, as this can put additional strain on the suspension system.
Should I seek professional help for air leaks in the suspension system?
Yes, if you are unable to locate or fix the air leak yourself, it is best to seek professional assistance. A certified mechanic can accurately diagnose and repair the issue, ensuring the suspension system functions correctly and safely.
Do I receive an invoice for my order?
Yes. You'll receive an invoice in PDF format via E-Mail. Please check your SPAM filter for in few instances this mail is falsely filtered.
How much does shipping costs and how long does it take to receive my order?
The delivery time and the shipping costs depend on your preferred delivery option (Standard or Express) and your destination. At our online shop you can find a shipping calculator, which you can use to see how long shipping will take and how much it costs. The calculator can be found in the description of every product:
Why Is My Order Above €1000 Taking Longer to Arrive in the USA?
Orders that exceed €1000 (approximately $1,070) and are destined for non-EU countries may experience delays due to the need for specific export documentation, such as the Export Accompanying Document (EAD). This paperwork is vital for complying with international shipping regulations, potentially extending the shipping timeframe.
If your order has not shipped right away, rest assured that we are in the process of completing all necessary customs paperwork.
To expedite shipping, you might consider placing multiple orders, each valued under €1000.
We are dedicated to processing your order as swiftly as possible. Should you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer service team.
Where do you ship to?
We ship worldwide. To calculate the shipping time at the costs of your delivery you can use the shipping calculator. It can be found here.
Which Payment methods does Aerosus accept?
Information about payment methods accepted by Aerosus can be found here.
Will there be any additional costs due to customs fees?
All orders up to $800 are free from duties and taxes.
How can I return a product?
All Aerosus products are eligible for a full refund if returned within 180 days of purchase. You can carry out the return either via our customer hotline or directly via our shop’s online returns portal.
RETURNS VIA CUSTOMER HOTLINE
1. Please contact our customer service by phone or by email to let us know about the return. We will provide you with a return shipping label.
2. Fill in this form and enclose it in your return package.
3. Print the return shipping label and bring it with you at the post office to ship your parcel.
ONLINE RETURNS
1. Please visit Returns and Refunds for a detailed information on how to request your return online.
2. After receiving your return request we will send to you a return shipping label and a Packing slip. Print both documents.
3. Enclose the Packing slip in your return package. Remember to bring the return shipping label with you at the post office.
Send the package to:
AT Parts Germany GmbH C/O UPS SCS
Hans Günther Sohl Strasse 4
47807 Krefeld
Germany
Tel: 877 492 8296
E-Mail:
Refund payments will only be made, using the same payment method you used to make the initial purchase.
How secure is shopping on Aerosus?
All your data is encrypted with SSL (Secure-Socket-Layer) and will be treated confidentially. None of your data can be read by anyone. Look for the lock symbol in address bar of your browser:
Nobody will have access to your encoded data. For your own security, always log out after shopping.
How do I use coupons?
After you have registered at our online shop you will receive an email with a coupon code. To use your coupon you need to go to your shopping cart. Now you will see a textbox asking "Have a coupon code?":
Enter the code in the textbox. If it is valid, you will see a message. The value of the coupon will automatically be deduced from the total price.
Is it possible to get a discount?
Yes, it is. If you buy a matching pair (e.g. front axle left and right side), you will get a discount of 10%. Also, if you click on one of our products at our online shop you will automatically be shown the matching pair and its discount:
We are a European company with a valid VAT number (VAT identification number). How can we place an order in your online shop without VAT tax?
After placing all your requiried products into your shopping cart, click on the „Proceed to Checkout“ button. Now you will find the input field with the title „VAT number“ where you can enter your VAT ID number. Please be sure to enter your number without the country code, for example instead of HU13084040156 please enter 13084040156.