Polo35m

Hey guys, my front crank shaft seal has just started leaking profusely and I'm considering a diy on this does anybody have any special tips. Looks pretty straightforward but on a Mercedes you never know what hidden procedures lie in wait!

Shadly1

Dang. Can't wait to watch this. I predict a whole lot of "while you're in there" parts to replace.

MBENZTECH

Pretty straight forward job:
Lock the engine with special tool
Remove engine drive belt
Set engine to top 40 degress after TDC
Remove 27mm head bolt
Remove pulley
Replace seal
Reinstall everything

For removing the bolt, you will need the biggest 1/2 inch ratchet along with a pry bar. Torque is stage 1: 200NM and stage 2: 90 degrees. Good luck.

Polo35m

You are correct by the job actually went really really well. I purchased the flywheel holder which is an absolute must. The tightening torque is unbelievably high I had to use a 2' breaker bar with a 2' pipe on top of that! For what it's worth the OEM Mercedes seal is a springless Teflon coated seal and must be installed absolutely perfectly or it will leak I opted for a traditional aftermarket seal Is double lipped with Spring retainer. I don't have a torque wrench that goes that high so what I did is put a dot of white fingernail Polish on the bolt and pulley and then tightened it backup to that point
Also just to have extra space to work I did remove the electric fan. Not a bad diy.

nath_h

Did you take any photos you can post?

Polo35m

Unfortunately I did not but I would be more than happy if you want I can give specific instructions and tips....it was actually a really easy job on a scale of 1 to 10 I'd say about a 3 or 4. The scariest thing was cracking the bolt loose I was so afraid my breaker bar was going to snap and then it was gonna go flying into the engine Bay and break something else but once that bolt cracked loose I was quite relieved

nath_h

Thanks, that is kind of you to offer. I don't need to do it now, but am always looking to learn about working on my car--hence me asking for photos. I plan to keep it a long time, so I will need to do many different things on it, over time.