CLK320 Recall Notice - Harmonic Balancer
04-12-2005, 04:51 PM
#26
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CLK 430
Originally Posted by RED-CLK
That is not true, a harmonic balancer is not a seal. It is a heavy pulley bolted on the crankshaft that has another outer pulley surrounding it. The two parts are bonded together by a rubber ring separating the two. The purpose of this unit is to dampen vibrations of the engine and it is this rubber bonding material that fails and allows the outer pulley to shift or move forward or back, and upon contact with the front engine cover cause extensive damage. Partial failure can cause a rough running engine. The reason for the failure of this rubber bond is because the outer pulley on this Mercedes design has to carry the load of the accessory drive belt that is hooked to it. Most engine designs have the drive or fan belt connected to the solid inner pulley so there is no extra stress on the bonded rubber that separates the two pulleys.
04-12-2005, 06:49 PM
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hi. Just read the response about damage to the engine reguarding the vibration damper. I just had mine replaced. "Tech noted vibration damper fell apart". I originally brought the car in due to rough idle. This, replacement of tires, alignment and replacing the motor mounts did not help the situation (all of the above were replaced for different reasons). Could you tell me how I would be able to tell if there was damage due to the defective damper (visually-as I don't think they would admit damage)? Thanks for the input.
04-12-2005, 09:27 PM
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The engine damage is usually caused when a failing harmonic balancer allows the outer ring to shift back, as the rubber bonging no longer holds it in position, into the aluminum front cover housing of the engine. As this is happening it will be quite noisy and noticable as the rotating pulley is rubbing against the cover. If not caught soon enough, it will rub clear thru the cover resulting in a major engine oil leak. I'm sure this did not happen in your case, you would have noticed it.
04-14-2005, 03:35 PM
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Piece of SH*T
Originally Posted by blackbenzz
I replaced this part myself last year. Woudl I be able to get any money for the replacement?
04-14-2005, 04:50 PM
#35
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Originally Posted by Scottjr2005
I have a 98 CLK320, is my car in the recall? Is this something I should go to the dealer with and have it replaced, and should it be free of charge and labor?
04-14-2005, 05:07 PM
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Ok so is this part the harmonic balancer, and the vibration dampner? Or are these two parts totally different, and not related to each other at all? Im just guessing one of these parts is making my car idle funny, cause I've had a tune-up, and the engine mounts replaced.
04-14-2005, 05:45 PM
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Piece of SH*T
Does anyone know if any of the 02 320's have a recall as well? I haven't had a chance to give them a call yet but would like to know before I do call..
04-14-2005, 08:59 PM
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CLK 320
Originally Posted by CLKonDUBS
Does anyone know if any of the 02 320's have a recall as well? I haven't had a chance to give them a call yet but would like to know before I do call..
Campaign No. 2005020003
April 2005
ALL MERCEDES-BENZ CENTERS
SUBJECT: MODELS 163, 202, 208 210 WITH ENGINES 112,
MODELS 129, 163, 202, 208 210 215, 220 WITH ENGINES 113,
MODEL YEARS 1998 – 2000;
MODEL 170 WITH ENGINE 112, MODEL YEAR 2001
INSPECT, IF NECESSARY REPLACE HARMONIC BALANCER PULLEY
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforu...0&page=2&pp=15
04-17-2005, 10:36 AM
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Originally Posted by Scottjr2005
Ok so if I take my car to the dealer they will replace the harmonic balancer and the steering dampner for free, since its a 98 CLK320 in the recall? They might say they dont need replaced.
04-17-2005, 11:39 AM
#42
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IMPORTANT!!!
i went to the dealership, Claridges Fremont, and asked them about the recall for my '99 CLK430. they said that everyone needs to wait for the letter to come in the mail first before the dealership can do anything. you can't go into the dealership and tell them to replace it for you... everything is in Mercedes' order. looks like we will have to wait for that letter... make sure that the VIN's owner address is current or else you will never get that letter.. sucka
i went to the dealership, Claridges Fremont, and asked them about the recall for my '99 CLK430. they said that everyone needs to wait for the letter to come in the mail first before the dealership can do anything. you can't go into the dealership and tell them to replace it for you... everything is in Mercedes' order. looks like we will have to wait for that letter... make sure that the VIN's owner address is current or else you will never get that letter.. sucka
04-18-2005, 09:58 PM
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'79 300D, '85 300Dt, '99 CLK430
I asked my dealer, and they said that this recall was all in the media. They also said that it is not official yet, so they will not be replacing the harmonic balancer for free. Would this have anything to do with the fact that I am in Canada, and the news of this recall has not yet reached our dealerships?
04-18-2005, 10:09 PM
#44
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Originally Posted by CHB
I asked my dealer, and they said that this recall was all in the media. They also said that it is not official yet, so they will not be replacing the harmonic balancer for free. Would this have anything to do with the fact that I am in Canada, and the news of this recall has not yet reached our dealerships?
it's gonna be a while for some of us to get that letter, unless you are one of the lucky first people. i just look at it this way.. i'm getting 400$ reimbursed
04-21-2005, 03:33 PM
#45
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Alright, well, I called my dealer, gave them the VIN # and they said I qualified as part of the recall and to bring it in this Tuesday.
He also said that they have had a lot of car come in, but only a few needed replacing. So, my car qualifies, they are going to inspect and replace if they think it's bad. Shouldn't they replace it anyway since my car is bad???
He also said that they have had a lot of car come in, but only a few needed replacing. So, my car qualifies, they are going to inspect and replace if they think it's bad. Shouldn't they replace it anyway since my car is bad???
04-21-2005, 05:43 PM
#46
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Originally Posted by str8ridin
Alright, well, I called my dealer, gave them the VIN # and they said I qualified as part of the recall and to bring it in this Tuesday.
He also said that they have had a lot of car come in, but only a few needed replacing. So, my car qualifies, they are going to inspect and replace if they think it's bad. Shouldn't they replace it anyway since my car is bad???
He also said that they have had a lot of car come in, but only a few needed replacing. So, my car qualifies, they are going to inspect and replace if they think it's bad. Shouldn't they replace it anyway since my car is bad???
yes, but also they are letting you replace your part before the recall letter. usually you're supposed to wait for the letter before they are supposed to do anything. if i were you, i would just wait for the letter unless u drive your car more than 4 times a week
04-21-2005, 06:15 PM
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2000 CLK 430
just got back from the dealer while picking up a few parts and my 2000clk430 qualified for the recall too.....same deal as what terry said
04-21-2005, 07:19 PM
#48
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Yeah, I gave the local stealership some grief about having to wait for the letter and they pulled my VIN and confirmed I was in the recall. Got an appointment for tomorrow morning for the inspection and replacement of the balancer if necessary.
04-21-2005, 07:46 PM
#49
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you guys are lucky that you only noticed this matter because of the recall.. i experienced it first hand. i freaked out cause all my power braking, steering, etc wasn't working. found out it was the harmonic ballancer from a local shop. on my drive there i almost crashed cause the power steering went out on me. at least i get reimbursed.
04-21-2005, 08:11 PM
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Ok, just to make this clear before I go to the dealership, what are the signs of the harmonic balancer going bad? What does the vibration dampner have to do with this also? Any more info would be appreciated. Thanks.
