cmak

Before anyone jumps all over me, I did search but found nothing on installing the A/C compressor pulley. Lots on the bearing failure and compressor replacement but nothing on just the pulley replacement.


I have a 2007 ML350 and the A/C pulley failed. Made a whirling noise, then clapping noise and then through off the pulley. The bearing race is still on the compressor. There is no damage to the main shaft of the compressor. The vehicle only has 53K miles on it. Since the AC was working perfectly and the miles are low I would prefer to replace just the pulley and not have to open the system and change the compressor.


Has anyone done this themselves?
I know pulling the bearing race will be a challenge. I will have to use some kind of puller or try to grind part of it off.


My question is, how difficult will it be to install the new pulley?
Will the new pulley/bearing slide right on? or will it have to be pressed on?
There is a MB service bulletin that states the pulley can be replaced without having to remove the AC compressor.


can anyone share any experiences.

Euler

It would seem to me that you will need to replace the entire clutch. Still easier than the whole compressor. If you that route, DO NOT beat on the end of the shaft.

cmak

Thanks for the feedback. This does not have a conventional AC clutch/pulley. This AC compressor has an internal clutch. What I need to replace is just a pulley with bearing.

tendriga

Think I have the same issue, debating on ordering the bypass belt to make sure or just replace the pulley.

Anyone actually performed this repair and is there a "how to" out there?

Thank you in advance.

ItalianJoe1

Confused on what part of the pulley has the bearing, do you have pictures?

The direct drive compressors that rely on the RCV have a fixed pulley, it doesn't have a bearing in it at all. It unscrews and threads back on I believe, I know I changed one once due to damage, but I don't remember what special tools were needed.

Gimme your VIN, and i'll post the WIS instructions for you if I can find them.

tendriga

VIN: 4JGBB86E28A398205
Thoughts about ordering the shortened belt or just replace the pulley?

Maj. Dundee

According to your vin#, this is the compressor that you need. There is no separate pulley you can remove and replace.

ItalianJoe1

Here's the work instructions for the pulley replacement. I don't know why the EPC link he posted doesn't show the pulley though, it should be there if they can be removed. I think there may be an EPC error, the note on the pulley says after chassis number a390565 and your car is A398235 which should be applicable.

Maj. Dundee

Joe, now that you pointed it out, there must be some sort of error. A general search for 164.186 pulley shows two different ones that are available, but those are prior to chassis #379024. He can only sort this out at the dealer.

tendriga

Thank you for your responses

tendriga

Called my local MB dealership for prices and here is what they said:
001 230 84 11 - part #not for US based vehicles, but I can purchase.

Going via my VIN the 3 dealerships I called are saying that the pulley is not a replaceable part.

Thoughts?

ItalianJoe1

Try to remove it and see what happens? I can't really say without seeing what you have on your car. I've only replaced one or two, it's not common that they fail without needing the actual compressor.

tendriga

Will see if I can get around to it this weekend.

I did spin all the pulleys today and the AC compressor was the only one that made any noise, which was pretty loud.

Thanks again

tendriga

Bearing ID was correct

Well I tried to replace the pulley but it was a fail. So called part that would work as a replacement part was close but not.
Bearing ID was correct
Bearing thickness was wrong
Pulley height is clearly off.

ItalianJoe1

What part # did you get, one of the ones Maj, listed or the one you said the dealer gave you that shows as for non-US vehicles?

tendriga

Online MB parts seller via Amazon, "Pulley will fit your application". Used VIN as reference That's what I get, refund in process now.

I'm going to try to order A 000 234 14 12 as stated by Maj. tomorrow.

Last resort is is to replace the entire compressor.
Anyone here DIY a compressor swap?

tendriga

Also found a leaking PS fluid tank...

Maj. Dundee

Do not buy aftermarket reservoir or seal as they will not fit properly. Buy from the dealer only.

Are you sure the noise you hear is the compressor? When air enters the P/S system it makes a whining sound, hence the leak with the reservoir.

After replacement of the reservoir and seal, DO NOT START THE ENG. until the bleeding procedure has been done.

tendriga

At the very least I know the bearing is bad. After I removed the "factory" pulley I was barely able to spin the bearing itself.

Blesson Thomas

Hi

Have a AC problem with my 2007 ML350 W164..,The AC Clutch pulley hub is broken, do the centre shaft supposed to be spinning? shaft won't rotate at all.. just wondering when I applied so much force to rotate this 7mm bolt the shaft is not moving a bit even at all..is it in a locked position? or something wrong with the shaft as it is supposed to be spinning with Pulley? or the Pulley on bearing will spin and shaft just stay in position?

I have got a new front hub (clutch) kit...will this resolve the issue? or the hub will break as the shaft is locked (Pulley is rotating without any problem on bearing).?

I apologies bothering you

Pls share if you got any video/info : blessxavi@gmail.com

Thank you very much

Blesson

Blesson Thomas

Hi

Have a AC problem with my 2007 ML350 W164..,The AC Clutch pulley hub is broken, do the centre shaft supposed to be spinning? shaft won't rotate at all.. just wondering when I applied so much force to rotate this 7mm bolt the shaft is not moving a bit even at all..is it in a locked position? or something wrong with the shaft as it is supposed to be spinning with Pulley? or the Pulley on bearing will spin and shaft just stay in position?

I have got a new front hub (clutch) kit...will this resolve the issue? or the hub will break as the shaft is locked (Pulley is rotating without any problem on bearing).?

I apologies bothering you

Pls share if you got any video/info : blessxavi@gmail.com

Thank you very much

Blesson

Maj. Dundee

What do you mean by "it's broken"? Explain your problem.

You should not try to turn the bolt.

Here is a photo of your compressor. While the eng. is running, the pulley and the center hub will turn together regardless if you have A/C on or not

Blesson Thomas

Hi Maj Dundee

Thank you for the reply
The pulley centre hub is broken (as shown in photos below)
I contacted the creator of this video > and I got the reply that the clutch hub has done its job by breaking off without affecting the drivability of the car as the compressor could be internally locked..I could not get any further information from him to see whether it is repairable or need a new compressor.!

I have got a new clutch kit, but as the centre shaft with 7mm bolt is not rotating, if I fit the new clutch it will break right? If it is internal locked is it repairable or better to buy another one?

Thank you very much


broken clutch hub


broken part removed and I got a new clutch, but not sure new clutch will solve this issue as centre shaft with 7mm bolt not rotating

Maj. Dundee

Why don't you just get a new compressor from Denso. Fill in the blanks.

http://densoautoparts.com/ac-compressors.aspx

Richard888

Can you tell me what the difference in the 2 pulleys are? Mine looks like the one on the right.