In a bind 2004 e320 w211
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 2
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From: Oak Island NC
2004 e320 wagon w211 base
Alternator/power steering tight belt? 2004 e320 w211
Hey friends, I’m new so please forgive me if I’m asking an existing question or doing this wrong.
I have a 2004 e320 w211 base wagon (250k Miles)
the AC compressor pulley failed. It wasn’t driven at all after that. I bought an AC compressor (reman) and checked part # and VIn for compatibility.
Had a garage put put it on. I picked up the car and the power steering felt real sketchy (harder to turn than normal) and I immediately got an alternator (battery) dash light.
Inspected the belt and it was torn and coming apart (brand new belt)
i stopeed at an advance auto to have charging system checked and alternator wasnt charging so the car was so the car was running onboard battery.
I had the battery fully charged (new AGM a month old) and drove back to the garage that did the work
they lossened the tensioner pulley just a little and installed new belt.
They say say there’s no way that the (obviously sub par) work the did effected alternator.
Do i I just have bad enough luck that alternator failed the day they worked on my car or is there something they could have done (incorrect routing or belt too tight?) that could have effected the alternator?
When the car car is running it’s presumably being powered by only the battery. Would that make power steering feel sketchy and harder to turn and would it make AC not blow hard or cold?
This is a 14 year old has ghnmileage car. I’m trying to drive it forever but I also don’t have a ton of money to sink into it. Looking for inexpensive fixes and feeling discouraged. I’m supposed to leave to travel tomorrow and I can’t drive this thing.
Thanks a a lot for your help
I have a 2004 e320 w211 base wagon (250k Miles)
the AC compressor pulley failed. It wasn’t driven at all after that. I bought an AC compressor (reman) and checked part # and VIn for compatibility.
Had a garage put put it on. I picked up the car and the power steering felt real sketchy (harder to turn than normal) and I immediately got an alternator (battery) dash light.
Inspected the belt and it was torn and coming apart (brand new belt)
i stopeed at an advance auto to have charging system checked and alternator wasnt charging so the car was so the car was running onboard battery.
I had the battery fully charged (new AGM a month old) and drove back to the garage that did the work
they lossened the tensioner pulley just a little and installed new belt.
They say say there’s no way that the (obviously sub par) work the did effected alternator.
Do i I just have bad enough luck that alternator failed the day they worked on my car or is there something they could have done (incorrect routing or belt too tight?) that could have effected the alternator?
When the car car is running it’s presumably being powered by only the battery. Would that make power steering feel sketchy and harder to turn and would it make AC not blow hard or cold?
This is a 14 year old has ghnmileage car. I’m trying to drive it forever but I also don’t have a ton of money to sink into it. Looking for inexpensive fixes and feeling discouraged. I’m supposed to leave to travel tomorrow and I can’t drive this thing.
Thanks a a lot for your help
Last edited by Cliff cash; Sep 5, 2018 at 03:07 PM. Reason: Better title
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
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E
At 250k things are going to break, when you say you don’t have a lot to invest...well it’s going to need stuff every now and again.
Sounds like timing was just unfortunate. Unrelated incident to the work they did.
Sounds like timing was just unfortunate. Unrelated incident to the work they did.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 2
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From: Oak Island NC
2004 e320 wagon w211 base
Ive done new rotors and pads, new egr, O2 sensor, control arms and ball joints, flex plates on drive shaft, AGM battery and service fluids and filters all in the last 5k Miles.
Just trying to be frugal.
Do you think a weak alternator causing the battery battery to run the car could be the cause of wonky/harder power steering? Or am I so unlucky that that’s failing on the same day?
Sure hope not.
Could an overly tight belt cause alternator problems or power steering variation/trouble?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,249
Likes: 257
From: Richmond, CA
2001 E320 Wagon, 2006 LBZ Silverado, 2007 E63 (sold), 2001 E55 (sold)
An overly tight belt could put extra strain on the bearings/bushings within the alternator. Since it sounds like you didn't put many miles on it I'd guess it's just a coincidence.
The battery/alternator should not affect the power steering.
The battery/alternator should not affect the power steering.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 545
Likes: 87
From: Southern California
I've seen this happen. Putting on a new component that is belt driven can have some consequences, especially with a new belt. The power steering pump bearing may be on its way out and now with a new tight belt, it will make the bearings wear out faster. So it may be time to start looking to replace anything belt driven. Check everything there, pulleys, tensioner, water pump pulley, alternator, etc. Don't think many belt driven items will last over 250k.
