Noise from engine compartment
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 560
Likes: 1
From: FL
2000 S500 Brilliant Silver, 1990 BMW 735iL, 1971 Pontiac Trans Am 455 HO, 1976 Pontiac Formula 400
Noise from engine compartment
I am hearing a noise at all times when the engine is running that does not seem to be tied to the engine rpm. When I shut the car off you can hear it gradually spin down to quiet over about a 5 second period.
It seems to be coming from a unit on the upper passenger side corner of the radiator. Is this an auxiliary fan or something like that? Is replacement a DIY and do I need to buy an OEM replacement?
Thanks
It seems to be coming from a unit on the upper passenger side corner of the radiator. Is this an auxiliary fan or something like that? Is replacement a DIY and do I need to buy an OEM replacement?
Thanks
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Long Island
2000 S500
noise
For me, it was the Engine cooling motor. The ballbearings were making noise and in my car, it is located upper passenger side. I tried to put it in myself but wound up breaking metal bottom hose on radiator not to say you could not do it. Bought mine brand new through local junkyard.No more noise. It could be something else but that is my noise story good luck
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
W220
Most likely it is the radiator fan motor as mentioned above.
Luckily, the motor can be removed and replaced without replacing the entire radiator fan assembly as the dealers suggest.
It is easy to damage the coolant lines as the gentleman suggested, however the job is not difficult to replace the motor alone. 2 bolts that attach the radiator fan assembly are removed, motor cap removed and the fan belt is removed. 3 bolts that attach the motor to the assembly are removed and the motor comes out quite easily. To replace the assembly entirely, I believe the coolant lines have to be disconnected. Thus, the motor is the easiest way to go. I have had bad luck with "quality" German Grutek motors sold on ebay.
Luckily, the motor can be removed and replaced without replacing the entire radiator fan assembly as the dealers suggest.
It is easy to damage the coolant lines as the gentleman suggested, however the job is not difficult to replace the motor alone. 2 bolts that attach the radiator fan assembly are removed, motor cap removed and the fan belt is removed. 3 bolts that attach the motor to the assembly are removed and the motor comes out quite easily. To replace the assembly entirely, I believe the coolant lines have to be disconnected. Thus, the motor is the easiest way to go. I have had bad luck with "quality" German Grutek motors sold on ebay.
