Hey everyone,

Got something for everyone to help me diagnose. I started up my CL yesterday morning, and of course, something unusual happens. The car started fine, but then I noticed a louder than usual howling noise. Normally, on the start up the car's engine revs high for a minute or two, but then the rpms go down. However, yesterday, while the car was on, there was a distinct noise between 1500-2000 rpms. When I started driving, the noise was still there, but if drove it faster and at higher revs, it kinda went away, but it's consistently makes noises at the abovementioned rpms. Also, the sound can be heard underneath the driver's side cabin. I went to my independent master technician, and he told me that it might be the idler pulleys (the car has like 3, I think). I looked at the pulleys and they looked a bit rough and for that matter, they've never been changed.

What do you think the diagnosis is? By the way, I did run a scan for error codes and nothing popped up.

Thanks,

Mo'

 

These pulleys are normal wear items and I replaced mine at 60,000 miles. If they are making noise they should be replaced. A simple check is to remove the belt then start the car,, noise gone? if so the pulleys are a problem. Spin the pulleys and verify which one is bad. Normally it is the idle pulley which is the smallest pulley in the belt run. This early wear is due to the high loads and spinning faster than the larger pulley. Best of luck vettdvr

 

Mo,

Vettdvr is right on target. Pulleys are wear items and when they wear they make noise. Typically a technician will use a stethoscope to figure out exactly where the whine is coming from if it is not immediately obvious. It is something that comes up. I actually just replaced a tensioner on my E55 because it was making noise.

-m

 

Thanks guys. I appreciate the input. At least now I have an idea about the problem. Don't want any surprises at the dealer.

 

Sounds like you have a ruptured Pulsation Dampner/Accumulator, which causes a hum or drone sound at or below 2000 rpm.
Either that or the hydraulic lines are contacting the body of the car.
Have the lines inspected, but most likely it is the Accumulator that is damaged.

(P/N 220-327-0215 air reservoir) is the part you will need. It is found under the car towards the front center slightly closer to the passenger side.

DIY...Lift on a hoist.
Let the car suspension settle for 5 minutes before removing the old Dampner.
It is a simple wrench off/on job and should take less than 10 minutes after removing hte underbody panel.
Remember to top up the ABC fluid afterwards as the ruptured Dampner will have had some fluid trapped within.
Having the dealership do it for you will probably be no more than 1 hr. labour after they have inspected the lines first and then changed the Accumulator/Dampner.

Good luck and let us know how things work out.

 

What do you think caused the problem? Is it a wear and tear issue? How much does the part run? Thanks.

 

I found the part online.

 

I think the constant pulsations and a possible low fluid level may contribute to the Dampner rupturing, or it could be as simple as wear and tear as you suspect.

I had the same problem, but it's all good now.

BTW, how much did the part cost you?

It was $180 from my dealer but I often get a 10% discount and that brought it down to $160.

Either way, good luck to you.

 

I looked the part number up on one of the wholesale Mercedes-Benz oem dealer and I remember it was somewhere between $120-$135. I'm hoping that's the right part because it didn't list the 2002 w215 but only the newer ones.

By the way, I was trying to send you a private message, but for some reason it won't allow it.

Thanks again.

 

No problem.
Everything is less expensive in the USA compared to Cda. The part is likely the same. What's the message?

 

Instead of posting on this thread, I was going to send you a pm. Since I couldn't pm you, I just posted my message which you already responded to.

Anyway, thanks for the info and I'll let you know if the accumulator solves the idle.

Have a great day.

 

Cool....likewise and good luck.

 

I think I have this same problem on my 2002 cl. Going to dealer on Monday. ABC light came on biefly while wife driving and I drove and has same symptons. Is is safe to drive at all? Any help would be appreciated?

 

It's safe to drive, just annoying hearing the sound.

If the Accumulator is ruptured, fluid could be inside of it and that may have caused the ABC light to come on. Add some ABC fluid or be certain to have them add more after changing the Dampner.

Since the Dampner/Accumulator change is the less expensive option...go with that first...just in case the dealership tries to tell you that a new pump is necessary.

Best...

 

Ifari is the MB guru around here. He's saved me alot of time and money! Thanks buddy!

 

Thanks for your response and i appreciate the help.

Heard back from the dealer this morning and they are writing estimate on ABC pump? Is there a way to verify pump and / or dampener before proceeding. Cost? Thanks Mike

 

LOL.....glad to be of help Mo....but after hearing your guru sentiments, I'll have to be careful to not get a swollen head, or I won't be able to fit into my car.

 

Did you get a diagnostic code? If so, what was it?
Can the car lift when the ABC button is pushed?
Are there any unusual sounds from the pump when the button is pushed?
Is the ride unstable?

Pump from my dealer is approx. $900 rebuilt.....labour is 7 or more hours and will include a 'RODEO' as well as 10 litres new ABC fluid.

Accumulator is $180.....labour about 1-2 hrs, plus less than 1 litre ABC fluid.

 

Lol. That's funny, Ifari. Nonetheless, thanks always for your help.

Here's "The Rodeo" for the ABC:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkRvV...xt=1&index=111

 

Ifari,

When we last traded messages dealer said needed ABC pump and they ordered and installed. Didnt fix noise and they found out was accumulator so they repalced that and removed new abc pump.

Now noticed is lower on right side in front and rear. Does not seem to affect when raise as still little lower on right side. Any thoughts?

Also having problem with drivers door window not shutting all the time when closing. Dealer said just needed computer programmed again but still doing it. Any help is appreciated. Mike

 

Sorry for your luck....if you had listened to my advice the last time, you wouldn't have this problem now, or the associated expense.

Why ask questions, if you are not going to follow the advice?

Push the window all the way up and then hold the buton down for an extra 3 seconds, that should fix that prob.

With regards to the lean in the car suspension.....take it back to the dealer.

 

Thanks for info on window and will give it a try. Dealer had limited warranty on abc and trying to make sure they get everything before we are on our own.

Thoughts on lean? Would the new pump have solved the problem or is it likely something else.

 

Looking for some feedback on CL500 lean. Car measures lower on right front and right rear. Right front is worse. Raising or lowering car doesnt seem to change it.

Is this the abc pump or settings? Dealer claims to have rodeoed vehicle and found no problems. Thanks Mike