DR AMG

Cant tell if my e55 fun is over or just a simple pulley Bearing failure. Have tried the ole bat trick to listen to try to zero in on the location of the noise The noise cycles inconsistantly , sounds like a noisy valve on front pass side, or idler pulley bearing has gone bad. Any suggestions would be great 03 e55 68000 miles no warranty owned only three mths still learning Thanks.

shardul

iTrader: (1)

put one end of a brass rod to the idler pulley and the other end to your ear and you will be able to tell if the noise is coming from the pulley.

TTMotorsports

Remove the sc belt and then start the car to see if the noise goes away.

If it does then it is a pulley.

SterlingE55

^^^ Simple, easy, effective. I have a long flat tipped screwdriver I use to listen to internals. Never heard of someone using a bat, I wonder what your neighbor thought when he saw you holding a bad to your mercedes? haha the mental image is classic.

vettdvr

Ok,, I have the E500 in 2003 and at 68000 miles had to replace the belt idle pulley. I also replaced the belt while it was off. From what I have seen on the pulley it should be replaced about 60,000 miles as there is no way to lubricate it and the small diameter means it is turning faster than the other pulleys.

I bought a replacement pulley at autozone. I took the MB part to my shop machined off the retaining boss and pressed out the bearing. I found the bearing in the AZ replacement pulley identical to the MB part.

I paid about $20 for the pulley/bearing.

Check the w211 section for pics. Site won't let me upload them again.

Warning,, don't let the bearing seize it will fracture the pulley and throw parts this might/could damage the radiator.

The pulley is easily removed after the belt is off. If you need a procedure PM me and I will send what I have, vettdvr.

DR AMG

You guys are the best. Thanks for all the ideas ,the neighbors did take notice as I raised the hood holding my baseball bat.Thanks again sounds like the pulley my be the problem I hope !