Pulley problem
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,492
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From: Canada
2004 E500 / 2001 C240
Pulley problem
Hello guys. It has been a long time since I have been here.
I am having an issue. I have attached a link to a video.
It appears that pulley (the one with the nut on the end is wobbly). Can anyone tell me what it is?
Also, it is squeaking and clunking as you can hear in the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHJ9ieJRQ6o
I am having an issue. I have attached a link to a video.
It appears that pulley (the one with the nut on the end is wobbly). Can anyone tell me what it is?
Also, it is squeaking and clunking as you can hear in the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHJ9ieJRQ6o
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 413
Likes: 3
2003 E320
As they say at the delaership "It appears that the idler pulley bearing has exceeded it's service life"
I have not changed this on W211 but I think this advice is sound.
1. Loosen but do not remove the nut with the belt in place- hopefully it will break free before the belt slips, otherwise you have to figure out how to foul the pulley.
2. Practice relieving and charging the belt tensioner BEFORE you remove the belt.
Usually some kind of pry bar is appropriate, some are more user friendly and operate with a wrench / socket.
3. Try to keep the serpentine belt on all of the various pulleys as re-routing the belt is tedious and will test your knuckles. I have used bungee, tie wraps, duct tape etc to keep enough tension on the belt to keep it in place.
Or take it to the dealer.
It will eventually seize and throw/ destroy the belt and all of the above will have to be accomplished in an unfriendly environment
I have not changed this on W211 but I think this advice is sound.
1. Loosen but do not remove the nut with the belt in place- hopefully it will break free before the belt slips, otherwise you have to figure out how to foul the pulley.
2. Practice relieving and charging the belt tensioner BEFORE you remove the belt.
Usually some kind of pry bar is appropriate, some are more user friendly and operate with a wrench / socket.
3. Try to keep the serpentine belt on all of the various pulleys as re-routing the belt is tedious and will test your knuckles. I have used bungee, tie wraps, duct tape etc to keep enough tension on the belt to keep it in place.
Or take it to the dealer.
It will eventually seize and throw/ destroy the belt and all of the above will have to be accomplished in an unfriendly environment
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 666
Likes: 4
From: Boston, MA USA
03 E320 -wife's car now; 07 Porsche Boxster S - my toy
ATS,
Clinton has good advice and I would like to add to it. Just go ahead and change out the entire setup -- new idler, tensioner, and belt -- you probably have enough mileage on the car to justify it.
Here's a little DIY I put together and posted a long time ago (I think on this forum).
If the tensioner isn't making any noise, check it anyway by seeing if the pulley part is oscillating while the engine is idling and the AC is turned on full
Regards,
paul...
PS: All the parts will be around $250 (discounted) with the tensioner being the most expensive.
Clinton has good advice and I would like to add to it. Just go ahead and change out the entire setup -- new idler, tensioner, and belt -- you probably have enough mileage on the car to justify it.
Here's a little DIY I put together and posted a long time ago (I think on this forum).
If the tensioner isn't making any noise, check it anyway by seeing if the pulley part is oscillating while the engine is idling and the AC is turned on full
Regards,
paul...
PS: All the parts will be around $250 (discounted) with the tensioner being the most expensive.
Last edited by paulv; Mar 23, 2011 at 07:47 AM. Reason: add cost estimate and tesioner testing
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,492
Likes: 0
From: Canada
2004 E500 / 2001 C240
Thanks guys. Wow, that DIY is amazing.
I am taking it to the dealer (Dundas in Toronto). I am forwarding them a copy of this page, I will let you know how they do and the cost.
I am taking it to the dealer (Dundas in Toronto). I am forwarding them a copy of this page, I will let you know how they do and the cost.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,492
Likes: 0
From: Canada
2004 E500 / 2001 C240
Hey guys.
On the W211, that is the water pump. $350.00 for the part and $350.00 for the install..
The replaced the whole unit (it is huge) and not everything is fine. They checked the belt and they said it is great, with no cracks of any kind.
Thanks!
On the W211, that is the water pump. $350.00 for the part and $350.00 for the install..
The replaced the whole unit (it is huge) and not everything is fine. They checked the belt and they said it is great, with no cracks of any kind.
Thanks!
