Check battery/alternator and steering got heavy
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
2000 CLK-430
Check battery/alternator and steering got heavy
So I was just driving, and As I was pulling into a parking lot the dash flashed a check battery/alternator and my steering got so heavy to the point that I couldnt steer at all. Anybody know what's wrong?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,258
Likes: 209
From: Boston North Shore
2001 CLK320 Cabrio
Idler pulley failure is very common, because it's the smallest pulley within the belt system (e.g. spins fastest), is made of plastic and has a single bearing.
Failure while driving is not a happy experience (e.g. loss of cooling, power steering etc.).
It's only a $20 part and as preventive maintenance, when I changed mine at 85,000 miles, the pulley had already developed 3 cracks.
It's attached with 1 bolt and a very easy DIY repair. You'll find additional information here.........
https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...tensioner.html
Note: It will be more work on your CLK430 because there is not enough clearance to remove the bolt without moving the radiator as well.
Failure while driving is not a happy experience (e.g. loss of cooling, power steering etc.).
It's only a $20 part and as preventive maintenance, when I changed mine at 85,000 miles, the pulley had already developed 3 cracks.
It's attached with 1 bolt and a very easy DIY repair. You'll find additional information here.........
https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...tensioner.html
Note: It will be more work on your CLK430 because there is not enough clearance to remove the bolt without moving the radiator as well.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 335
Likes: 3
From: Lodi, CA
2001 CLK55 AMG
While you're in there, just do a new belt as well... It's cheap insurance, and it's just the smart thing to do.
