Code3 Performance

Well I finally got around to replacing my noisy bearing in the SC Clutch. Thanks to TopGun32's post, I obtained the proper bearing needed. Last night I decided to take everything apart and tackle the job. It was very easy, and only took about an hour. Plus I got a chance to use my new shop press for the first time. I took some pictures, along with video of the before and after noise. You wont believe how noisy it was, the bearing was very bad when I took it out. The video is only 2mb, so its a quick download. Thanks to those who gave me advice on getting the job done.

Before & After Video

edtv82

good post

Zeppelin

Great Job, I am surprised that the new bearing makes no noise what so ever. That just shows me that mine is going bad even though I thought it was still good. After 40K mine makes some noise but I thought it was normal.

Looks like those 20 dollar bearings I bought will get changed every 30K miles.

moorfan

Thanks very much for the post man! I'm gonna check mine out, since I already have a new bearing sitting in the garage in a box.

Three questions for you:
1. Is it absolutely necessary to have a press? I don't have one, and I guess I could go to a local shop and get them to remove the old bearing and press in the new one.

2. Did you just grip the pulley with a leather glove to undo that bolt in the front, or is there somewhere you can put a mandrel in to stop the rotation?

3. What did you clean the pulley with before you replaced it? It looks much better afterwards.

Regards,
Pete

Code3 Performance

1. Yes. its is. It would only take a shop a few minutes to take care of.

2. I used air tools, and a slight grip. You could also lodge something between the clutch and the block.

3. I did clean the pulley. If I have something off the car already, it always gets cleaned up I used Throttle Body Cleaner to get the oil and dirt off, and a small wire brush to get any of the hard crap off. It cleaned up real nice.

Code3 Performance

When I have more time, I am gonna pull all the pulleys off and check them. Reason being, the small idler pulley that came off was going bad as well.

m444

Thanks a lot! This should help a lot, when our fellow C32 owners ( and I) have similar problems with the SC clutch bearing.

TopGun32

great job!

its the best $18 i have spent in a long time...

to think that the dealer wanted $1k for a new s/c clutch is a crime!!!!!

i paid $70 to have mine installed, since I didn't have the press, but if you can borrow one its very easy.

edtv82

I WANNA GET MY BEARINGS CHANGED... I GOT THE GRINDING SOUND LIKE IN THE VIDEO ... so where can i get the bearings at and i read it was like 18 to 20$ ? is that correct....

Fifth Ring

This is what these forums are all about! If I recall correctly, the Benz dealers would tell you that your only option is to change out the whole supercharger. Ridiculous.

What's worse is that it gives the car a bad reputation to turn a $100 repair into a $3,000 repair.

edtv82

yeah i feel you on that... i just recently was supposed to have my car's A service done... my local dealer wanted 400$ and i was like bull ***** and did it myself and reset everything... but i guess since the next dealership is 1.5hours away they can really charge whatever?

Fifth Ring

You can't get air in your tires for less than $500 at a dealer. I do as much of my own service as possible -- and what I don't do, I send to independent shops.

Code3 Performance

Even if you factor in the cost of the press ($100 from Harbor Freight), the total cost was only $125. Obviously I now have a press for future jobs (control arm bushings waiting to go in lol). The press paid for itself very quickly.

By the way, after driving for two days, the car is definately quieter than before. It also feels like the SC is kicking in when it should all the time.

gkstar

Would doing service A by yourself void an extended warranty?

edtv82

hmm? well i dont think you have to pay for the service if you have an extended warranty? i'm not sure... im a 1month own on my C32 no warranty when i bought my 02' w/ 46000 for 19990$ (laid who sold it too me got a divorce and sold her ex husband's car to me for real cheap) but i dont see why it would though as long as you didn't screw anything up you know?

edtv82

but where did you get your bearing? i wanna replace mine and have that quieter sound

gkstar

What is the mileage on your car, btw?

Code3 Performance

Pm TopGun32 for the info. I looked all over and cant find it for the life of me. Its been two months since I purchased the bearing. It was a bearing shop in texas as I recall. See if he can post the info in this thread.

gkstar

+1

Code3 Performance

A lot

110k

But I have to say, this car is so strong. Since I have bought it, I have taken care of many of the common issues. I think this engine has a lot left in it. I am the second owner. It was originally a lease from MB, with all service performed by them.

I have to admit though, as much as I love it, I am looking for an E55 right now. The prices are too good, and I could use more room for the family. More power never hurts either

Code3 Performance

http://www.houstonbearing.com/

That is where I purchased it from. TopGun32 will hopefully chime in with the part number as I cant find it anywhere.

TopGun32

https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...clutch+bearing

this is the info I found.

there was a long thread with all the info.. but I can't find it anymore.

use houston bearings.. it will take a few days but they are good

Code3 Performance

Here is the part number, straight off the box:

DAC32550023

You only need one. $17.88 each

Here is the direct link:

http://www.houstonbearing.com/defaul...de=DAC32550023

FrankW

exactly what I've been looking for...been lazy and haven't got around to search.

btw, notice there's a C ring type of clip on the old bearing, how did you remove that part?

Code3 Performance

I couldnt find a way to get it out and still be reusable. So I pryed it out. I am absolutey sure there is a way, I just didnt know at the time. I did not put it back in. I should probably see about sourcing another one just to be on the safe side. Although, the bearing is held in with a small disk and bolt, so I cant imagine its going anywhere. I am sure the retainer/snap ring is probably needed though.