E-Class (W210) 1995-2002: E 200, E 220D, E 240, E 290TD, E 300TD, E 200, E 240, E 280, E 320, E 420, E 430 (Wagon, Touring, 4Matic)

A/C compressor rattle

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Aug 1, 2009 | 12:59 PM
  #1  
Lancelot's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 525
Likes: 0
From: the Netherlands
'01 W210 E320 CDI
A/C compressor rattle

The A/C compressor on my car has developed a rattle whenever the engine's rmp falls back to idle it rattles for a few seconds and then becomes silent again. Is this a sign of compressor-clutch wear or what? Drivebelt and tensioner/pulley are in good shape.
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2009 | 04:59 PM
  #2  
iluvJesus's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Hong Kong
2000 E320 RWD
Could be the clutch, or just the bearing (more likely) is failing. Air cooling ok?
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2009 | 05:10 PM
  #3  
Lancelot's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 525
Likes: 0
From: the Netherlands
'01 W210 E320 CDI
Yep the air cooling works fine, cold air coming from the vents within a few seconds after hitting the EC button...
Reply
Old Aug 2, 2009 | 03:46 AM
  #4  
iluvJesus's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Hong Kong
2000 E320 RWD
Cooling ok, good. The EC button is actually to turn off the compressor when it is on (that is when the light is on).

It is a sign of clutch wear and tear, you can confirm it by hand move the compressor and clutch and see if the rotation is smooth, if not, you know it is the bearing.

On the other hand, I have heard cases that noise from the power steering pump, other pulleys can cause an illusion that it is from the compressor, so double check.

To confirm the compressor is about due, and act before it dies off. You would need to connect gauges to see the high and low pressures. http://www.aircondition.com/tech/questions/82/
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:48 PM.

story-0
8 Oddball Mercedes Ideas That Actually Made it to Production

Slideshow: Mercedes has never been afraid to experiment, and some of its strangest ideas turned out to be surprisingly successful.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-10 17:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-1
Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look

Sideshow: A Middle Eastern tuner has transformed the Mercedes-AMG G 63 into an open-top special, replacing nearly every exterior panel in the process.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-10 15:29:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish

Slideshow: Six gift ideas your AMG loving dad or grad will cherish.

By | 2026-06-03 17:26:18


VIEW MORE
story-3
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built

Slideshow: Sometimes AMG builds fast sedans. Other times, it builds twin-turbo V12 land missiles and six-wheeled off-road monsters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 17:59:58


VIEW MORE
story-4
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's new electric GT 4-Door Coupe trades combustion for software, synthetic noise, and more than 1,100 horsepower.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 20:08:15


VIEW MORE
story-5
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-8
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-9
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE