Replaced SC Clutch bearing last night ~ pics/video
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 560
Likes: 0
C43, SLK32, CLK63 Black Series
I noticed I have some bearing noise at idle when I first started the car this morning. But the time I got to work, it had stopped. I only have 18K miles on the car. For the money, it is likely a good preventitive thing for me to do but I wonder it some bearing noise is normal when the car has sat for a few days.
About the C ring clip, I have the Service Manual CD and I should be able to at least get the part number if MB sells the SC in parts.
About the C ring clip, I have the Service Manual CD and I should be able to at least get the part number if MB sells the SC in parts.
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 973
Likes: 1
From: Santa Barbara & Los Angeles, CA
C32, Cobra, 700hp Vespa
I noticed I have some bearing noise at idle when I first started the car this morning. But the time I got to work, it had stopped. I only have 18K miles on the car. For the money, it is likely a good preventitive thing for me to do but I wonder it some bearing noise is normal when the car has sat for a few days.
About the C ring clip, I have the Service Manual CD and I should be able to at least get the part number if MB sells the SC in parts.
About the C ring clip, I have the Service Manual CD and I should be able to at least get the part number if MB sells the SC in parts.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
From: Ottawa, Ontario
C32 AMG - in Pewter
It is a great forum! 
The other day I heard squeaking from this same area and I thought it is my turn now. After removing the S/C clutch cover, I could listen better and localized the source to be the idler pulley not the clutch. Sound was same as on the video but was clearly coming from the idler pulley bearing.
I was surprised a bit as no one else complained about that. Has anybody changed the idler pulley bearing before?
The other day I heard squeaking from this same area and I thought it is my turn now. After removing the S/C clutch cover, I could listen better and localized the source to be the idler pulley not the clutch. Sound was same as on the video but was clearly coming from the idler pulley bearing.
I was surprised a bit as no one else complained about that. Has anybody changed the idler pulley bearing before?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,289
Likes: 3
From: OC
C32
It is a great forum!
The other day I heard squeaking from this same area and I thought it is my turn now. After removing the S/C clutch cover, I could listen better and localized the source to be the idler pulley not the clutch. Sound was same as on the video but was clearly coming from the idler pulley bearing.
I was surprised a bit as no one else complained about that. Has anybody changed the idler pulley bearing before?
The other day I heard squeaking from this same area and I thought it is my turn now. After removing the S/C clutch cover, I could listen better and localized the source to be the idler pulley not the clutch. Sound was same as on the video but was clearly coming from the idler pulley bearing.
I was surprised a bit as no one else complained about that. Has anybody changed the idler pulley bearing before?
MBworld Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,058
Likes: 18
From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
btw, I gave up on the idler pulley. the old bearing is blew apart when it failed and I couldn't get the outer rim to come out from the seat at all. Plus I think the pulley itself might be damaged because there's wayy too much play for the bearing to click around in there. I think that might be the reason why it failed soo badly in the first place.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 510
Likes: 1
From: dayton ohio hopefully it will be some place warm and sunny when i finish med school
2002 C32 AMG silver & 2003 Lancer Evolution 8 black very moded
ok i got my bearing from Houston the other day located a buddy of mine who's got a press that is small enough to push out the old bearing and pop the new one in... but the thing i dont know is should i just replace my whole belt? and i'm afraid i wont be able to put the new one on correctly and do you have to time this belt ? how easy is it to peal the belt off of the SC?
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 973
Likes: 1
From: Santa Barbara & Los Angeles, CA
C32, Cobra, 700hp Vespa
All you need to do is loosen the belt off of the upper idler and clutch. No need to take the whole thing off.
On a side note, my upper idler started making noise the other day. So I am going to get that taken care of as well.
On a side note, my upper idler started making noise the other day. So I am going to get that taken care of as well.
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 973
Likes: 1
From: Santa Barbara & Los Angeles, CA
C32, Cobra, 700hp Vespa
The old bearing was wasted 
You could use it like a maraca 
You are correct that the old one spun very freely. But, the new one is smooth, quiet, and performs the same.
You could use it like a maraca You are correct that the old one spun very freely. But, the new one is smooth, quiet, and performs the same.
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 973
Likes: 1
From: Santa Barbara & Los Angeles, CA
C32, Cobra, 700hp Vespa
Many clicks
Truth is, my car has 112k, and runs smooth as can be. Its amazing how nice it runs with the amount of miles. It feels like a car with half the mileage. If you take care of them, they will reward you
Truth is, my car has 112k, and runs smooth as can be. Its amazing how nice it runs with the amount of miles. It feels like a car with half the mileage. If you take care of them, they will reward you
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,289
Likes: 3
From: OC
C32
[QUOTE=FrankW;2229573]it slides out. look closely at the fitting on the right side of the picture. you'll need to loosen that so the clutch plate have room to come out.
btw, I gave up on the idler pulley. the old bearing is blew apart when it failed and I couldn't get the outer rim to come out from the seat at all. Plus I think the pulley itself might be damaged because there's wayy too much play for the bearing to click around in there. I think that might be the reason why it failed soo badly in the first place.[/QUOTE
Not sure I understand what fitting you are talking about. When I remove the nut on the front of the bearing the pulley/bearing asseembly will not pull off from the front of the SC. I removed the silver tube in the picture so I would have plenty of room to slide it off, but it does not slide off.
Sorry to hear about your bearing, just keep the bearings - they are the same as the tensioner pulley bearing (you may need one some day)
btw, I gave up on the idler pulley. the old bearing is blew apart when it failed and I couldn't get the outer rim to come out from the seat at all. Plus I think the pulley itself might be damaged because there's wayy too much play for the bearing to click around in there. I think that might be the reason why it failed soo badly in the first place.[/QUOTE
Not sure I understand what fitting you are talking about. When I remove the nut on the front of the bearing the pulley/bearing asseembly will not pull off from the front of the SC. I removed the silver tube in the picture so I would have plenty of room to slide it off, but it does not slide off.
Sorry to hear about your bearing, just keep the bearings - they are the same as the tensioner pulley bearing (you may need one some day)
MBworld Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,058
Likes: 18
From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
all I did with the clutch plate was to remove the nut and that little metal plate washer and then the whole thing will easily slide out. try lubing it with wd40 or something. it may be just tight fit that's all.
there's a fitting just to the front of the s/c plate on the right of the picture. you'll have to loosen that so the plate doesn't touch that part when you try to slide it out.
yea...definitely keeping the bearings i'm sure they'll be useful again
there's a fitting just to the front of the s/c plate on the right of the picture. you'll have to loosen that so the plate doesn't touch that part when you try to slide it out.
yea...definitely keeping the bearings i'm sure they'll be useful again
Last edited by FrankW; May 27, 2007 at 05:01 PM.
Newbie
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: South Africa
C32 AMG
hi guys
im from south africa...my Komp is doing the same thing...i stripped it and the local bearing shop quoted me ZAR 90-00 about usd15 for the bearing
it is a nsk bearing 32BD45
thanks for this thread..MB SA wanted to replace my Komp under maint plan with my contribution of ZAR 15000 ( about usd 2000)
saved myself usd 1900
thanks again
im from south africa...my Komp is doing the same thing...i stripped it and the local bearing shop quoted me ZAR 90-00 about usd15 for the bearing
it is a nsk bearing 32BD45
thanks for this thread..MB SA wanted to replace my Komp under maint plan with my contribution of ZAR 15000 ( about usd 2000)
saved myself usd 1900
thanks again
Almost a Member!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Maryville, IL
2002 Mercedes C32 AMG Green Air Filters ASP Pulley Renntech ECU NGK Iridium Plugs BHP XPS Ceramic Br
OK Changing mine this weekend
I am purchasing the 6 ton press from Harbor tomorrow, hope its in stock, question. When you press the new bearing in does it get pressed from the back or front. Sorry if that sounds stupid, also how far does it get pressed in? did you measure tolorances or is it obvious? Also how tight does that bolt go back in? Did you use a tourque wrench? I want to be sure as I really have no clue what I am doing and I'm using this thread as my guide. I will take pics every step of the way and post them up as well.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Maryville, IL
2002 Mercedes C32 AMG Green Air Filters ASP Pulley Renntech ECU NGK Iridium Plugs BHP XPS Ceramic Br
Supercharger Snap ring
Changed mine out over the weekend. Was just as simple as stated, the ring that couldn't be removed is a simple snap ring. I used a small needle nose pliers to remove the ring ands was able to reuse with the new bearing.
Thanks everybody car runs smooth and strong.
Thanks everybody car runs smooth and strong.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Johannesburg South Africa
E320 CDi - Porsche 928S
I'm also from South Africa like C32rechard. At 100,000 k's (on extended warranty) I was advised by Cargo Edenvale (my service agents) that the supercharger was making a noise and should have it looked at during the next service. Was duly informed that supercharger would have to be replaced (cost R57,000 plus R4,000 for labour - $8000 and $565). My share would be 50%. After throwing my toys out, dealer contacted MB who refused to come to the party. "Let it blow" I said. At 130,000k's an tensioner bearing failed instead, taking with it the belt and the waterpump. While this was being fixed, asked "new" service agent to replace clutch bearing and e-mailed him the pics of your fix. I even supplied the bearing (NSK 32BD45 cost $15). He said he was not allowed by company policy to replace the bearing, but offered a new clutch at 1400$ instead. I told them to close everything up, I took the car to a shop that prepares race car engines, and they did the job for R500 ($70), which included cleaning up the clutch faces. Thanks guys - you saved me whack. S/C purring again, car going like bat out of hell and asking my lawyer to sue the original dealer for fraud.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,466
Likes: 10
From: Southern Cali (Ontario)
I'm also from South Africa like C32rechard. At 100,000 k's (on extended warranty) I was advised by Cargo Edenvale (my service agents) that the supercharger was making a noise and should have it looked at during the next service. Was duly informed that supercharger would have to be replaced (cost R57,000 plus R4,000 for labour - $8000 and $565). My share would be 50%. After throwing my toys out, dealer contacted MB who refused to come to the party. "Let it blow" I said. At 130,000k's an tensioner bearing failed instead, taking with it the belt and the waterpump. While this was being fixed, asked "new" service agent to replace clutch bearing and e-mailed him the pics of your fix. I even supplied the bearing (NSK 32BD45 cost $15). He said he was not allowed by company policy to replace the bearing, but offered a new clutch at 1400$ instead. I told them to close everything up, I took the car to a shop that prepares race car engines, and they did the job for R500 ($70), which included cleaning up the clutch faces. Thanks guys - you saved me whack. S/C purring again, car going like bat out of hell and asking my lawyer to sue the original dealer for fraud.
glad to see it worked out for you!
I made a promise that my C32 will not see a dealer ever again.. ( I have no more warranty)
most of the problems I have been able to resolve on my own with a trusted mechanic.
our typical engine issues are very simple to fix.. the only exception is the electrical failures. I wish we had access to a STARDIAG system.
