Noise at start up - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

markho · #1 02-12-2010, 04:56 PM

A weird groaning/grinding noise occurs right after the car fires up and disappears immediately. It sounds like a component kicking on, but have no idea which one. Hard to explain the noise but i'm thinking it could be related to the cold weather? just a hunch. Start up is fine otherwise. thanks for the input in advance.

okyoureabeast · #2 02-12-2010, 05:01 PM

I would open the hood and have some one start the car while you watch the engine bay.

I have a couple of cold starting noises every now and then.

I wish I lived in California or Florida for that matter. Even looking at everything under the hood when I start up, nothing seems out of place.

rrgrassi · #3 02-12-2010, 05:03 PM

Alternator or a/c compressor comes to mind...

gyrzang · #4 02-12-2010, 05:05 PM

Maybe starter bendix is not disengaging.

layback40 · #5 02-12-2010, 08:54 PM

I sometimes groan and grind a little when I get going on a cold morning!!

Seriously my first guess is with gyrzang, if the starter is slow to dis-in-gauge it sounds terrible. In time it will destroy the gear/clutch on the end of the starter shaft & can damage the ring gear.
If its more of a squeel it could be the fan belt.

markho · #6 02-14-2010, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by layback40

I sometimes groan and grind a little when I get going on a cold morning!!

Seriously my first guess is with gyrzang, if the starter is slow to dis-in-gauge it sounds terrible. In time it will destroy the gear/clutch on the end of the starter shaft & can damage the ring gear.
If its more of a squeel it could be the fan belt.

so can I oil it? Is that the solution?

nickofoxford · #7 02-14-2010, 01:43 AM

power steering pump?

layback40 · #8 02-14-2010, 05:45 AM

If you remove the starter & inspect the gear at the end you can lube it with a little grease. You could also remove the solenoid and see if the piston in the electro magnet is sticking. I hope that all makes sense.

markho · #9 02-14-2010, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickofoxford

power steering pump?

well the steering does groan for a few minutes before it warms up.

fruitcakesa · #10 02-14-2010, 09:20 AM

Did you check the PS fluid level?

markho · #11 02-14-2010, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fruitcakesa

Did you check the PS fluid level?

the Haynes version of checking the fluid shows a piicture of a washer that the fluid is supposed to be level with.
Well, my version of the PS resevoir is different so i don't know what level is.
Secondly, I'm not a mechanic, but does this PS fluid look healthy?

This picture was taken with the engine at operating temp.

fruitcakesa · #12 02-14-2010, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markho

the Haynes version of checking the fluid shows a piicture of a washer that the fluid is supposed to be level with.
Well, my version of the PS resevoir is different so i don't know what level is.
Secondly, I'm not a mechanic, but does this PS fluid look healthy?

This picture was taken with the engine at operating temp.

Check this thread power steering level and some questions

Jeremy5848 · #13 02-14-2010, 11:15 AM

The fluid level looks a little low but not dangerously low. It also looks like ATF rather than PS fluid. Again, not dangerous, but it would be better to flush the system and use real PS fluid. You don't have to buy it from Mercedes; any name-brand PS fluid will do.

markho · #14 02-15-2010, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by layback40

If you remove the starter & inspect the gear at the end you can lube it with a little grease. You could also remove the solenoid and see if the piston in the electro magnet is sticking. I hope that all makes sense.

it does make sense, thanks. But where the heck is the starter??