There is a circular disk shaped object right behind the pulleys on the very front of my 1983 300SD's engine. It makes quite a racket, and i have parked the car untill i can figure out if it's ok to drive it or not. The part can be moved around by hand, and it almost looks like a pulley shield or something to that effect. How critical is this part? can the car be driven with it loose? Taking off all the belts/pulleys etc does not sound fun especially in a dorm parking lot, so if it's ok to drive for a little while i'd much prefer that. Thanks in advance,
Ryan

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83 300SD.......sold
96 integra SE....sold
99 a4 quattro....sold
2001 IS300.......sold
2002 330i.........current.
2004 highlander limited....current.