Blown Airbag! 2006 Mercedes CLS500

Rookie Mistake on a Mercedes! “I quit” • Rookie Mistake on a Me...
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[@davidblalock9945]

One thing I learned owning a Mercedes and being a DIY mechanic, you're typically going to have to disassemble the trunk just to change a front marker light.

[@nomebear]

No truer words could be said. There were so many electrical components in my C230 trunk that controlled the rest of the car, i.e. the battery, fuel relay, ambiguous relays that would fail, vacuum locking, system, some kind of communication network, and lot of other items for the audio system. It's a bitch when the trunk develops a leak.

[@549BR]

Sometimes the trunk as well. lol

[@111smd]

be thankful that it is not a super car some of those you need to disassemble the entire car just to add gas - sarcasm for effect, but sometimes you need to disassemble the car for something like a light bulb

[@teevis3620]

Lol...that's precision German design an engineering for you. Sometimes l wonder whether or not they over design some vehicles just to piss DIY ers off 😅

[@teevis3620]

@@111smd 😅

[@DaveSomething]

"I said hey, what's going on?"

[@1320Jason]

He does it on purpose to get comments. I’ve caught on to Ray Rays little trick

[@markaz2kk]

It’s either every two episodes and it’s blaring in the background. That radio station is utterly burning that song into a institution 😅

[@fredk.2001]

Dreadfully overplayed song. Cannot stand it.

[@1320Jason]

@@fredk.2001 agreed

[@neonsigns6721]

My assessment is, is that it's some type of internet radio ( Spotify or something). And this is one of rays playlists. I think it's funny that it's in so many videos. Regardless of anyone's opinion of the song I think it's funny. And maybe ray likes the song, who are we to judge another man's taste in music 😀 Have a fun day everyone.

[@billdornan4379]

I bought a 6 year old old Mercedes and owned it for 4 months. It spent more time in the shop than on the road. Plus, my old GMC/ Ford tools didn’t work and I wasn’t prepared to buy specialty tools for it. Happy day when it went away. Happy New Years to all. Sunshine Coast,BC 🇨🇦

[@robpeabo509]

Ray, I believe you should recalibrate the suspension when you replace the air struts, Some vehicles let you do it by raising & lowering the vehicle from the vehicle suspension adjusting selector switch/lever, others require this to be done via the OBD tool. I would look into that first before recommending the right air strut be replaced.

[@Maroco918]

That year will auto calibrate in the first 15 yards of driving

[@teevis3620]

I also did wonder about that as well as if it would auto calibrate and level out during the drive.

[@tschuuuls486]

@@Maroco918 A lot of Mercedes will need code clear and a bidirectional scanner to fill the airbags back up. VWs/Audis/Porsches don't care, they will lift themselves off the bump stops. Some Mercedes will try to air up when driving a few meters.

[@rafirafilandzki8354]

@@Maroco918 in the star diagnosis program, there is an airmatic calibration procedure

[@Antto]

It is part of procedure that you must recalibrate ride height so that the car knows how much it needs to raise and lower to ride properly

[@bigqwertycat]

If you have a scan tool with Mercedes bi directional control, the level can be calibrated on there. The other bag should not be replaced unless it is leaking.

[@tschuuuls486]

Yes, but no :D It's generally recommended to change suspension components in pairs. The passenger side "bag" is also a strut that's worn way more than the left one. You'll probably feel that on a performance oriented car, you as a mechanic. The customer will only notice it drives a little weird :D Let's rephrase: If the car wasn't roached I'd try changing them in pairs if not cost prohibitive :)

[@jbdragon3295]

@@tschuuuls486 I agree that struts should be re-paced in pairs. Even if one is good. Airbag part of it or not. The airbag is mostly controlling height. The strut part of it controlling bounce and road ride can be worn out even though the airbag is still working. So just going over a bump, you can have in bounce uneven. It may not handle right. Feel a little funny in handling even if the car is level. I also think people are being a little picky on the work. So long as the key is off, there shouldn’t be voltage at the plugs he messed with. No not really worth disconnecting the battery. I think we have a new BMW and Mercedes snobs around here. Back in Germany, these things are used as Taxi’s. It’s basically a ford here. Having worked on a ton of these things over the years. Never had any issues, other then Iike a few other cars out there, sometimes you have to remove other things to get to what you want to work on. I know some of these airbag cars have a switch to turn the system off so when you lift up on a rack or you tow, you don’t drain all the air out of the system.

[@tschuuuls486]

@@jbdragon3295 mercs don't need a switch, they disable the airmatic when the key is off and the car is locked. VW Group cars have a jack mode.

[@jbdragon3295]

@@tschuuuls486 Yet all the airbags in this case drained out when lifted.

[@bigqwertycat]

@@jbdragon3295 that's because Ray made the rookie mistake of leaving the key in the vehicle. When doors are closed, key away from vehicle, the car will not self level. Because the key was left in the ignition,the car attempted to self level by releasing air.

[@HybridBattery]

I have a 2008 version of that car and had the same strut blow out (all the way). The Arnott remanufactured strut was the way to go. Half the price and built better than original. That’s why the core charge was so high. After putting it in the car stayed all the way up. Everyone told me the pump release valve was shot, but after research I found the control wire was prone to fraying and, yup, the wire was broken. Spliced it and it’s been fine for 4 years.

[@ronaldemerson4314]

Agree...I put Arnott on my 2011....~ 1/3 the price that MB wanted and they have a lifetime warranty.....Can't beat that with a stick !!

[@simonilett998]

Most likely the height sensors need to be recalibrated, or the sensors may be damaged from raising the vehicle on a lift without first selecting 'service/lift mode'. The switch in the car Ray said was possibly an extra ride height switch is most likely the 'service/lift mode' switch🤣 Also, the reason the suspension vented each time Ray lifted the vehicle was because the system detected an unexpected increase in suspension height, so it tried to lower it back down to the set height by venting the air. This can be avoided by selecting 'service/lift mode' prior to raising the vehicle👍

[@pootthatbak2578]

Details details

[@sheerwillsurvival2064]

Excellent information 👍🏻

[@bigqwertycat]

Hi Ray, those suspension nuts for the tie rod, and lower strut to control arm are self locking and only 1 time use. They must be replaced, or the customer will start to notice knocking sounds. The lower strut to lower control arm joint must be torqued when the suspension is at the riding height. If not done, the rubber bushing will wear out prematurely. I have videos on my channel going through this procedure, although on a 4matic (AWD). I can also provide you any Mercedes procedures. Feel free to ask me if you plan on doing any other Mercedes repairs.

[@ciberboy395]

all true. Additionally, you need to go into the computer to reset and learn the new reference heights

[@bmwman1981]

I never torqued up the arms when at the ride height as all parts have a warranty and eventually they will wear out anyway

[@bigqwertycat]

@@bmwman1981 hopefully you don't work as a mechanic professionally and are running other people's cars.

[@bmwman1981]

@@bigqwertycat I have had no issues with bushes wearing out prematurely from tightening up in the rises position

[@rogerspaulding6569]

A little loctite will work!

[@ronaldemerson4314]

Just finished the air shock vid.....I don't agree it needs another air shock on the passenger side. The reason why the car isn't level could be two reasons...1) the ride height sensors on the front suspension (there are two, one for each wheel) tell the air solenoid block just how much air to put in the shock to get the car level, one of these sensors might be bad....or 2) the suspension needs to be calibrated so the car is riding "level". Either of these can be diagnosed/validated and fixed thru a good diagnostic tool with enough fidelity to isolate the individual sensors and then the tool should be able to tell you if they are working properly. If this is the case, then the calibration should be just a few finger pushes away on the touch screen of your diagnostic tool. How do I know this......I own the 2011 version of this car and do as much maintenance that I care to. FYSA.

[@gregdiamond6023]

@@user-kw6fl4km2hThat means you don’t do much because a lot of engine repairs require you to drop the sub frame and remove the engine. I know a Mercedes dealer tech.

[@Grunttamer]

For some reason this reminded me of the “drive by argument” from family guy… “oooh rainman….I disagree!”

[@hobbit321a]

Back in the day Lincoln had air ride when you raised the car on the lift and you headr a boom like the first vid you exploded the air shock the air ride was trying to level the car

[@hobbit321a]

I would bet there is a relife valve that didn't reset

[@ronaldemerson4314]

@@gregdiamond6023 Well......I've done the following to my cars and have never had to "drop the subframe and remove the engine" out of any of my MB cars;.... but alternators, thermostats, a waterpump or two, brakes, rotors, calipers, air struts, flex disks, filters and fluids, ...I guess this isn't much for some.

[@maxeaves]

Ray. I think the Mercs have to have their ride height recalibrated once you change a strut. Go into your diagnostics equipment, go to Special Functions and recalibrate Ride Height. Thanks for your great vids as always.

[@keithdelp3190]

Loving the new nickname for the turn into lift bay 2. "The Corner of Death"

[@dbird29]

Must be satisfying to get customers that want to make thier cars good mechanically. No more "customer declined repairs"

[@granitecowboy2199]

Ray, that ferrule on the airline looks like it's broken. I have never seen one split like that. I would replace it. Also, compression fittings are NOT allowed to be used on brake lines UNLESS they are DOT certified. We use them all the time on air brakes, but you have to check the fittings to make sure they are DOT certified. Hydraulic brakes however, operate at a higher pressure. So you don't want to use them on hydraulic brakes.

[@miketdavies]

Pretty sure it was discarded - the new strut came with a new compression fitting pre-installed

[@BePositiveMindset]

Every time I hear a lift I think of the old purse 3D commercials. "It's going up!"🤣🤣

[@furiouswolf777voodoo4]

When you lift car and hear air , bag is bad. Replace and your good to go. Tip: next time upper control arm ball joint, separate and youll have clearance needed to remove shock. Saves time. Mercedes tech. How to...Great vid

[@gregusjay]

Hey Ray Merry Christmas ⛄🎄 to you, the wife unit and the kid units ! And a Happy upcomingzee New Year !

[@GeorgeMandry]

It never ceases to amaze me - the more expensive the vehicle, the less it's maintained.

[@bradhaines3142]

eh, suspension isnt really a maintenance item. maybe bad driving habits or bad roads but thia is a mercedes, they fall apart on their own just fine

[@nainnub1]

Most "high end auto" owners are either too busy, or just "in over their heads"with the surprizing large repair bills they will be looking into, and just don't bother, till the wheels start to fall off

[@roadiemort3589]

@@nainnub1 No silly, they don't keep the car long enough for it to break, third owner at least.

[@mumulester]

That's untrue, there are far more Toyotas, Volkswagens, and Chevrolets driving around in a dangerous state if for no other reason than more Toyotas are built than Rolls Royces and can be had cheaply by yobbos.

[@GeorgeMandry]

@@mumulester - as a proportion of vehicles, though, I see more poorly maintained higher end vehicles, especially when compared to the cost of repairs vs level of income.

[@brooklynborn78]

Just wanted to let you know my wife loves the"wife unit" tee i gave her. Wore it all day on Christmas. When she read the shirt she said "damn straight"

[@davidwright1653]

I'm declaring the song "What's Up" by Four Non Blondes the official Rainman Ray song because it always seems to be playing in the background every third or fourth video.

[@derekpalmer7598]

genrally you would replace both front struts but i suspect the merc air back struts are very expensive ,so i get its only one . i think you need to calibrate the new one via your scan tool . Oh and by the way the bonnet (hood) has 2 positions ,std (as you had it ) and service position (further back ) via the little tab on the side of the hinge

[@mercedes-amgforlife3237]

The rear air springs are around $800 for the pair. The front struts are over $1,000 each. Also the rear shocks are $500+ each. The rear air springs aren't that bad of a job if you get Arnott brand, but if you replace with OEM Bilstien B4 units you have to drop the sub-frame to replace them. These cars aren't that bad to work on, and aren't much more expensive than similar luxury vehicles of same year. The front struts for an 07 Yukon I had were $1500 and the rear s were around the same price.

[@Harry1s]

The air line "collar" is called a "ferrule"

[@troymcgee7317]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family Ray

[@ronsloan7662]

Hey Ray, great video, looking forward to what else you have in store for us with this car. Cheers!

[@TheOriginalDaveJ]

It's usually good practice to change items in pairs. We all know that if we don't, the side not replaced usually breaks as it's weaker. This depends on the customer though. However Ray, I'm sure you'll advise accordingly 😉

[@ohioplayer-bl9em]

it drives me crazy when people replace one headlight and not the other. ocd maybe but damn... you know they are the exact same part that has had the exact same use. the other side woll generally go bad in a matter of weeks..

[@lg3988]

that was probably a cost thing. I can imagine these things are crazy expensive

[@scottowen3162]

😊😊😊

[@gordonm2821]

@@ohioplayer-bl9em - Look at another way, if your light bulbs are swapped out out of sync and not in pairs then there is even less likely that bulbs will fail at the same time.

[@CraigGrant-sh3in]

@@lg3988 I looked them up. $655 for the Continentals plus the $300 core. Yes,you get the core back but ,it's still $1000 plus labor

[@j.t.cooper2963]

It's usually good practice to replace shocks and struts in pairs, but as expensive as those are I can see why they would only want to change one out. My 1994 Lincoln Mark VIII had air ride but I converted it over to non air ride front and back and what an improvement over that junk air ride system it came factory with.

[@jamesvanzijl4348]

Smart work , Ray !

[@kevinbates1863]

The lower shock absorber mount must be tightened with a loaded suspension. This is important for air suspension.

[@1estorge]

Love your channel keep up the good work

[@Mini-Driver]

On my Bentley, I have a "Jack Mode" function that must be used before placing the car on a lift. I think that bottom/left switch is the same on the Benz.

[@harrywalker968]

i thought that. suporting all the weight , then raising it, i thought might blow some seals inside. but then, merc,bm,porch ect owners, never raise the bonnett/hood..eh..i have an x5, do my own work..

[@OBEEGAINZ]

This guys an epic legend ! Proper organised …looking forward to watching this video now 🙏🏻 If I’m not mistaken it’s 6 am in Florida … 11am here in the uk Thanks for the video ray 👌🏻 hope you had a good Xmas 🎄

[@michaelpressman7203]

Did you get toys for Christmas? have a good day

[@knighthawk86855]

When working on cars you usually say please, and the car allows you, but when working on a German car you have to ask it in its native language "Bitte" pronounced "bit-ta".

[@teevis3620]

Thank you Ray. Great job. Excellent informative viewing. Cheers 🍻

[@stevewright9658]

Hello Ray. I’m glad your new Business appears to be doing well. Congrats on your new adventure in life. Nice to see your shop is growing and I hope it will continue growing. I guess you have to spend money to make the money. Congrats. Keep up the good work your videos are very educational and I’m learning lots from watching them.

[@Bulletz4Breakfast13]

Kind words man, one of the things I love about Ray's community is that all of us viewers love and support Ray's content and admire his ethics and personality. He is truly an awesome man, husband and mechanic.

[@Travisthegamer22]

Love the videos ray can't wait to see the next one 🕐🕐

[@Calango741]

I appreciate even more than usual these ones when it's something that I have not ever done before myself. It's not just enjoyable, I actually get to learn stuff...

[@gulogulo7636]

Merry Christmas Ray and family!

[@kasmanien]

Ray, your patience amazes me,as a non-patient type person some of these repairs you do would have me slinging tools and or obscenities. Great job,and video.

[@jeffreybarton1297]

Yes! I'd be hopeless as a car mechanic. Half if the jobs would be returned to the customer, with my excuse being 'you need an expert Mercedes-Benz mechanic on this, Sir'. Delete makers name to suit......

[@fix0r420]

Absolutely! I like to work on cars, but patience has ridded itself from me, lol.

[@michaelpressman7203]

I try not to get to that point if I do walk away from the job and recalibrate my mindset have a good day

[@bruceaugustine6486]

I believe that there is an air balancing that may be needed to get all the struts have that same amount of air. It can be done with some scan tools.

[@jonathanpierpont389]

Ray, love the videos. Hope you had a great Christmas

[@timray1827]

Merry Christmas to you and your family Ray.

[@jynxclover2996]

There's a calibration procedure on the suspension with Mercedes. I don't know the procedure myself but I'm pretty sure that will have to be performed. Oh and RRREEEEEEEEE in advance. I'm confident you know what you're doing and I'm just firing keys hahaha! Love the channel, ray, and won't hesitate to help you what little (if any) I can. If I'm wrong, it won't be the first time.

[@CM-th2oe]

I will never have to work on a Mercedes-Benz. But Ray, you make it interesting and enjoyable to watch. Please keep doing what you're doing, the entertainment is more than worth the cost of admission. As always thank you.

[@forgetfulme1719]

Now more and interesting to watch, 20 years old Maserati next.

[@davidsnow9504]

Hope you had a great Christmas Ray !! A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family Bro!

[@Navajo-man]

Hi ray just finished watching your air shock it was excellent learning a lot and as always you and your families be safe 🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@johnfisher142]

hey ray, you can adjust ride height with your bidirectional scan tool, or xentry. your supposed to calibrate the rest heights after air strut replacement. your snapon scanner should be able to do it.

[@fitybux4664]

Does he have a snapon scanner? Or did that belong to the last shop he worked at?

[@SueBobChicVid]

First drive needs to be to a tire store!

[@sonyhk3824]

Well done. Cheers Ray 👍

[@markwagner4909]

I hope you have much success in 2023 I love watching you videos even more since you opened your own shop

[@colouny]

needs ride height calibration. that will sort out unevenness

[@sitdox]

Suspension components should be fastened while pre loaded I.e. vehicle on its wheels otherwise some bushes gets destroyed in the long run

[@stevenrose8960]

Thank you for doing another great job.

[@davidcucchoc5557]

i love watching your videos im actually learning a few things from you that im actually trying out in my tech school in highschool

[@cane_nation3633]

I got to replace the air struts on my 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee this summer. This video gives me hope that I am gonna be able to do it. You make this look so easy to do. Love the video keep them coming

[@ohioplayer-bl9em]

Its because he has a lift and the proper tools. Thats over half the battle. I have always dreamed of a lift amd the older I get the more I actually need one. Its harder and harder to lay on that hard garage floor. 45 isnt old but its definitely much different than 25... much different.

[@cane_nation3633]

@@ohioplayer-bl9em I agree 100% I was a mechanic about 20 years ago. I still have 90% of my tools but a lift would make it a lot easier. The nice thing is my youngest son likes to work on vehicles also so he is gonna help me with the project

[@larrybe2900]

Is that what happened to the other 10 percent of your tools? ;)

[@jimmychristensen498]

@@ohioplayer-bl9em At 52 the struggle is real! My knees don't allow me to do a lot of things anymore...

[@bobbg9041]

I hope you got it torqued to the right specs for a German car, Good -n-Tight!

[@benjamins94]

Classic

[@roadiemort3589]

Gut und fest is german but not as funny, I still laugh at the one german word my daughter learned as a messy eating kid, waschlappen.

[@harrywalker968]

gas suspension,,interesting,,mmmm....

[@michaelweatherhead9470]

Have a great day Ray.

[@eddykirksey7022]

Wow. What a job! Nice video.

[@fixinggrace]

Most owners only want to replace the leaking part on these. These are anywhere from $1200-$1800 per strut. You can buy conversion kits to switch these over to a conventional suspension too. These are about $1200 per kit and a lot more work.

[@fitybux4664]

Since they are so expensive, wouldn't you want to verify a leak? I never saw this in the video. In other words, can you relearn a Mercedes airbag that simply LOOKS low? (Maybe it was learned in a weird way.) There is probably some way to pressure test these for leaks.

[@fixinggrace]

@@fitybux4664 indeed

[@robinwheatley4476]

The early (2001) S class mercs had a problem where the air connection for the front struts was sealed with epoxy, they would crack and leak, I ended up replacing both my fronts because of that. It does give a good ride thought. Would definitely recommend replacing the other one too.

[@walterwhite2270]

I am surprised he did not replace them in pairs like you would for any other car. Yes i know they are expensive but as the owner that is the way i would have gone.

[@roadiemort3589]

@@walterwhite2270 Lol, but.your not the owner, just a armchair critic. Send the money lol.

[@1951woodygeo]

Merry Xmas Ray and all the best for 2023 From Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 and UK 🇬🇧

[@Lachdanun]

Merry Christmas albeit a bit late! May your winter solstice be warm and pleasant.

[@PatricksDIY]

Don't you love the over engineering of Mercedes lol, I have to take off my intake and ECM in order to change my Coils and plugs lol. I despise the weird zip ties they use, they are the zip ties with a push pin attached, there is no saving those. I just bought a whole kit of them lol. Great Work Ray! P.S. The wipers are auto rain sensing wipers, sometimes the rain sensor thinks dust is rain and will turn them on for a few cycles. I also think that you should replace the other strut, its best to replace those in pairs. Hey Ray, If you go topside on that new strut, and disconnect the connector, and take 2 jumpers, 1 from the most bottom pin, and another from the middle pin, and connect to a 9 volt battery, you can release some of the air to try to manually level it. ( just an idea if your looking for any) I had to do this on my Daughters Airmatic a few years ago.

[@mod_incllc3235]

I refuse the consider a 'C' Series 'High End'!

[@dragonflytoo]

Ray, this is a car I would have said "take it to a dealer". You are brave 👍👍🤣.

[@rajbeekie7124]

Now, if he did we would not see Ray work his process. Ray would miss out on a learning opportunity. Also, Ray would miss out on some $$. The owner most likely paid less for this repair had s/he taken it to the dealer.

[@dragonflytoo]

@@rajbeekie7124 I.. TOTALLY agree 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I'm just not THAT brave 🤣. The lesson reinforced for me from this video is: the simpler the better 🤣.... Like the Jeep 👍. I'm old, I worked on Army vehicles in the 90's when you opened the hood.... And there was just an engine 🤣🤣🤣.

[@spaceflight1019]

The dealer told the owner to take it to Ray's. Reputation is everything!

[@dragonflytoo]

@@spaceflight1019 ❤️❤️❤️❤️..... 🤔 Really? 🤣

[@oldbloke135]

I'm not sure many people would take a 17 year old Mercedes to a dealer for a repair. A lot of old Mercedes, that now cost three or four grand, started life as 50 to 100 grand luxury cars. The price of genuine spares for luxury cars, not just Mercedes, only reflects the car's value for about two years.

[@ianthompson920]

Merry Christmas and a happy new year to everyone . From Omagh Northern Ireland

[@brucecook9415]

Hi Ray I know nothing about repairs however I find I learn about parts of the car which I would never knew about if I didn't see your work so I find watching you I find it very interesting Kind Regards Bruce From New Zealand 🇳🇿 Have a Happy New Year and your family Cheers 🍻

[@pnuttheclownh2254]

mr husband unit, please consider removing metal (gold) rings when working on electrical components as unexpected shorts occur near exposed electrical wires. don't ask how i know, ok i'll tell you, a friend got his wedding ring stuck between the starter solenoid and battery cable terminals and fried his finger before he could get it under water to cool it down.

[@scottwheeler2494]

I think he continues to wear the ring just to piss off all the people who have pointed out the stupidity of wearing ANY jewelry while working on anything. He knows... and it's his finger to lose. Gonna hurt like a bitch too. Or so my Uncle says who pretty much lost his at work. They fired him for it as a bonus as a work rule violation.

[@afellowinnewengland6142]

Hi Ray, typically you need to recalibrate the ride height sensor when you make major suspension changes. That’s my experience as a Land Rover tech anyway. Also, if the car has more than 100k mi they should replace both sides.

[@6970958]

On my Land Rover Discovery TD5 it's essential to disconnect the battery before unplugging the RHS or they loose calibration and need re setting. Not sure about Mercs though. Keep up the good work

[@forgetfulme1719]

@@6970958 did not disconnect, no MB subscription to reset?

[@rogerm9232]

Love the new intro music and graphics 👍👍

[@artm6723]

Holly crap! When I pull my fender liner out the only thing I see is the wiring for my fog lights. Look at all the stuff in there! So glad I own a Toyota!

[@walterwhite2270]

@Ray for the strut ride height you may need to hook up your scan tool and see if there is an option to do a reset on it to allow it to auto level it self out.....

[@lorditsprobingtime6668]

I'd suggest you chop off the last 6 to 8 feet of your busted retractable tape you threw out and keep that chunk around hanging somewhere just to use in place of, or as an easy to find measure for exactly things like that ride height. It may be stuffed as a retractable tape measure but a length short enough to support itself can still be very handy so before you chuck the rubbish away forever, salvage a usable chunk off it.

[@MazichMusic]

Probably oneof the HF take measures that they used to give away free. Every one I every procured met the same end. Junk.

[@lorditsprobingtime6668]

@@MazichMusic It doesn't matter whether junk or not. A short section is still handy to keep around for measurements up to whatever length you cut off. Your comment and that possible fact don't change that.

[@zenpistoler0]

Tapes have that loose metal tab that gives an accurate inside or outside measurement. Great Idea to keep a flexible 2-yard stick or whatever length you need most often.

[@lorditsprobingtime6668]

@@zenpistoler0 Exactly, thanks to that tab having that movement allowing for it's own thickness it can be more useful than that stick ruler he had. It can be hooked onto things to free up 1 hand and also even for short measures in confined spaces the rest can be simply folded out of the way. I kept one and was surprised just how often I found myself using it preference for anything else within it's length.

[@joeloyd56]

I appreciate the content.

[@stevenakn1]

After they cycle a few times they should even out 🎄

[@loubakker5000]

Yeah, and let's polish the headlights.

[@c.h.r.i.s2253]

I never had a problem with the second strut going bad when just replacing one. It takes a while for it to settle “down” after you lift it. It will eventually settle to an even height on both sides

[@user-ng7ij4uw5z]

Ray you are a rocking mechanic! Your videos are awesome!

[@tbirdguy76]

"Whats going on" HAS TO BE one of the most recurring songs on this channel I know I comment on it quiet a bit...

[@grimreaper3620]

Scotty Kilmer would say endless money pit.🤣

[@kimwinthernielsen9434]

😂😂 I agree with Reaper and Scotty. Enjoy it for 10 years and get rid off it. Owning a pit like that from 10 years Old to Twenty surely will empty all your savings!

[@motokid1492]

@@kimwinthernielsen9434 My C-Class that ive had for a while now isnt that expensive. Scotty dosent like any fucking car. That man should start his own damn car company if he has so mutch to point out on every damn car he touches

[@Deadfeat]

Curious, is it reccomended to do them in pairs?

[@harrywalker968]

any car over 100k, you dont ask the price,,looks like this guy did..

[@jerebigler7520]

Ray, you ever think about becoming a teacher at a vocational school? We need great teachers so we can have great mechanics in the future. I believe you'd be a natural and a darn good instructor. Thanks for the info you share.

[@patrick103b]

Instead of a pry bar and risk damage to the air bag you can put a ratchet strap round the bottom control arm and pull it down with your foot leaving both hands to locate the strut

[@AF29007]

Holy crap they actually authorised this repair? Judging by the condition of the rest of the vehicle I was expecting them to continue the neglect and just refuse all repairs

[@deplorablesrus8457]

Clowns buy these things and are too broke to afford proper repairs...typicals. All silly fake imagine and flash.

[@roadiemort3589]

Reading between the lines and paying attention to the visual cues I think that one of Rays customers in the same facility buys and stores wholesale cars with the object being to pass inspection for resale not to make the cars perfect, good to have a customer like this for steady work and why Ray is hinting at expansion so soon.

[@petermallow]

@@roadiemort3589 yes it seems logical the car came from an auction as did the cruisers and the cobalt

[@edwardhenry7119]

​@@petermallow I suspect that is what the set up is there, Hack out the door auction junk re sale. I worked at such a place, then became a hauler of such garbage.

[@edwardhenry7119]

​@@roadiemort3589 Yep, 1000 % correct my man.

[@JohnS-sn2sd]

I am very surprised that you took that car out, with the tyres in the condition they are in. The rear right looks ready to go any second (Judging from the first video).

[@markwalker3499]

I believe those are run flats, my BMW had them and aside from the fact that the wear was a lot like they were made from cheddar cheese and they cost $2,000 about every 14,000 miles to replace they did not run very well when flat. Max speed was about 35 (MPH) if you wanted to maintain any control. The wear pattern looks a lot like the car has a sport suspension as well, on my BMW the outside of the tires looked fine when you were standing next to the car but the inside edges were down to the steel and that was really only obvious when you laid on the ground or put it on the rack. But, I am sure Ray would not take the car out on the road with tires that bad if they were not run flat.

[@petersmart1999]

@@markwalker3499 my MB 4 matic came with Continental tires,at yearly inspection they said it needed new tires after 19,000 miles! What ? These tires only last 19k,they were like yes thats it! The car now has 73k and is on its 3rd set! Also it seems that brakes and tores go hand in hand on these cars! And no its not due to using cheap parts,the power stops have actually lasted longer than the originals!

[@cetocoquinto4704]

The guy is very inspiring...cheers from philippines keep it up!

[@jeffryblackmon4846]

Nicely done.

[@keithvallance219]

Merry Christmas Ray from the UK

[@mehagel65]

I used Arnot suspension parts for my Mercedes too. They work great

[@jamiltariq784]

Merry Christmas 🎄 Ray

[@kyzercube]

Love the new intro Retro Ray 🤩👍

[@massumking6498]

Cheers for the videos Ray

[@goforitd]

DANG, you had me holding my breath while you were pulling and pushing to install the lower yoke of the strut. YOU GOT IT !

[@jaysonburns8512]

Good job man....I like how you work...I work clean myself...

[@Paul-eo5wj]

I've been watching your videos for a while, but now my 6 year old son loves to watch them with me. Very good and informative videos that can also be watched by kids

[@brucedale4465]

I’m glad I don’t have to pay for that German suspension part I don’t know if I could afford to buy a complete set. Keep up the good work ray!!!!!!!

[@darrenashley126]

Here in Victoria Australia it is getting hot and last week I passed the area where we had floods (5 min away)and we still have a river where there wasn't one before. The Mozziekitos as I call them have Dunlop tires and landing lights, thankfully they hate my blood and I am thankfull for that.

[@spacecoastz4026]

With that new bladder inflated, they made the job more difficult to install. Great job Ray.

[@typhoonjenkins8330]

That Benz looks brand new. If they detail it and clean up the plastic on the headlights, it'd look showroom new. I love this design, but won't own another Benz. Too expensive to maintain, but they are awesome cars. Look at Ray pumpin out the content every single day. Gott alove the HUSTLE, Mr. Ray. Hope you and the fam had a wonderful and blessed Christmas buddy. Same to all the FanRays here. HNY all

[@ve4edj]

Definitely see if you can do a recalibration on the suspension before you recommend replacing the second strut!

[@htimmermans1938]

Great repair!

[@rudeboz5486]

when you were putting that connector together i was shouting at the screen as i have two vito van that i have worked on and some of the things on mercs are a pain in the a*se to work on with out taking one side of it apart .you learnt some thing new today .

[@alanknoll5540]

Another awesome air strut replacement.