My CL55 has been running great! However, I noticed that at idle, there is a new noise that is clicking from the front fo the engine at idle, which is getting louder and louder. I slowly revved it and still noticed it. I eventually took the engine cover off, and to my surprise, the problem was obvious! there are a few missing ball bearing from this component in the front top of the engine. There are also a few bits of plastic rail, which to me seems like something holding the bearings in place, that were splattered around... sigh...

I have attached pictures.

My question:

1. What component is this?
2. Seems like an easy replacement... should I try?
3. What is the estimated cost of repair?

 

that is the s/c clutch assembly.
new assembly is about 750 at the dealership.
does the car make a chirping sound at 2k rpms.

 

After about 2 hours of reading the web...
This is what I have learned so far-- if anyone can weigh in on it.

yes, this is the supercharger bearing failure.
This appears to be very common!!! How sad for Mercedes!

So, in looking at the options and to summarize what I have read:

1. Dealer will want to replace the whole thing for $700-$1100 parts alone for the supercharger.

2. Any competent mechanic can just replace the bearing itself. The bearing appears to have several sources, but looks like they are all about $50.

3. There appears to be an upgrade for a higher revving supercharger, which one of the make is code3. This is being made for the C class AMGs, but I'm not sure about application for my CL55.

4. Hmm... I do wonder if I should just upgrade!

 

What is the mileage of your car?

 

70,000 miles

 

So...

$500ish parts and labor including a new bearing and belt, I'm back!

sigh...

 

Will you be doing the work yourself? If so could you let us know how it went? Pic etc. My 2005 cl55 has 62000 on it. So far so good.

 

I had the SC clutch replaced on my SL last year at about 47,000 miles. My mechanic had lots of trouble getting it loose. He ended up removing the SC and putting it on a bench. It was a great time to have phenolic spacers put in.

Here is a link I recalled with some good reading on the subject: https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...h-install.html

Post 17 includes a PDF on the SC clutch replacement.

Good Luck

 

I accept with information:
1. Any competent mechanic can just replace the bearing itself. The bearing appears to have several sources, but looks like they are all about $50.

2. There appears to be an upgrade for a higher revving supercharger, which one of the make is code3. This is being made for the C class AMGs, but I'm not sure about application for my CL55.

3. Hmm... I do wonder if I should just u

 

I had the same problem before, I would fix it right away. $500 should be the right price to get it done. Good luck.

 

I recalled posting info on the clutch bearing. It is below:

I just purchased a new SC clutch for my 03 SL55. There was much discussion in various past threads regarding replacing the bearing only. This may already have been posted, the bearing information is below.

The bearing is made by Nachi in Japan. The part number is 458607S5DL

I am not sure this is the same bearing for all 55 kompressors but think it is. Apparently, Vadim at VRP can source the bearing only.

I would not suggest contacting Vadim at this point based on some recent events. You will have to remove the clutch to press out the old bearing so I think you are better off replacing the whole clutch. Mine showed significant wear and had the classic chirp.