'98 e320 Rattling Noise at Start Up (Water Pump?)

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Nov 29, 2016 | 11:42 AM
  #1  
Hello!

My 1998 e320 wagon makes a pretty loud rattling sound for a few minutes after start up. I don't really notice it while driving. Upon looking under the hood, the sound is coming from a fan hitting against an enclosure. The fan is hitting because of the pulley its attached to being loose, like the bearings are loose. There is a leak below this area, and it leaks out the bottom of my car. Also, I got a "Coolant level" message yesterday, and had to refill the coolant. I have heard that running low on coolant is another sign of a water pump problem.

Does this sound like a water pump problem?

Thank you!
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Nov 29, 2016 | 01:34 PM
  #2  
Yes - weepage/seeping at the bottom hold of the water pump - plus what you describe as symptom indicate a failing water pump.

Your yr has two types of pump - "2-outlet" or "3-outlet" - either Graf brand/manuf or Laso n=brand/manuf are good OE equivalent replacements - make sure you get correct # "outlets" on the replacement pump. China brand or retail store brand water pump not recommended.

Depending on your ownership intenetion - water pump replacement is good time to check for belt and/or belt tensioner replacement as well - Continental brand sells a "kit" with both belt and replacement belt tensioner as a set - with correct INA original tensioner. Again - China brand or store brand are not good.
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