Serpentine belt w210??

[pat201]

I just finished replacing the serpentine belt. I took the car for a ride (99 e300 td) and when I turned the heat on I heard a noise under the hood. When I stoped the car I noticed black residue (like burned rubber) on the fan, AC pulley, and the shroud. What it can be? Did you encountered such an issue?

[Southern]

I sounds like its your serpentine belt. Look at the edges to see if one side is worn. I recommend that you start the engine and look for any obstructions. It could be that the new belt was not aligned when you installed it.

[pat201]

Thanks Ray,
I will check it tomorrow. Right now is already night here in Michigan. Pat

[Southern]

Pat,

One more important thing to check - with the engine running look at the harmonic balancer to see if it is wobbleing. If it is do not drive the car until the harmonic balancer is replaced along with another new serpentine belt.

i would check the a/c compressor clutch. if the pump siezes there is somewhat of a rubber coupling between the clutch and pulley that is designed to tear so that if the compressor siezes the rubber will fail and the car can still be driven. i have seen them fail, and make a large noise and mess as you describe. see if the clutch engages when you turn on the a/c
please let me know what you find
Ray
mercedessd@cox.net

[pat201]

I am afraid you are right. I looked again carefully. It appears that the black residue comes out of the clutch area of the AC. If I remember correctly, when I removed the old belt the AC pulley did not turned. After I replaced + did the test drive and heard some noise, the AC pulley now rotates. Can I just buy a clutch for the compressor or should I be better off replacing the entire AC compressor. I understand that is made by Nippondenso of Japan and the actual part number is 0002302128 (clutch) and 0002302011 (compressor assembly). It will take a few days to get the part(s) - can I still drive the car without having the heat on?

[psfred]

Unplug the connector on the AC compressor so the clutch wont operate and you will be fine.

If the center of the front plate of the clutch turns freely, the compressor is probably OK. If rough or won't turn, time for a new compressor and a complete flush job, including a filter in the suction line (or the new compressor will be toast in short order from the shavings, etc the old compressor generated).

The other thing that will ruin a clutch is a leaking front seal. the compressor oil softens the rubber, and it will disintegrate, blowing sticky globs of semi-melted rubber all over. Seal can be replaced with the compressor in the car.

Peter

[pat201]

Peter,
Thank you I do appreciate your reply.
I tried to move the clutch (the disc in front of the AC pulley) - it moves but rather difficult. I believe I need to replace the entire compressor assembly including the clutch.

I was able to take 2 pictures of the compressor (see attached). Is the black wire between the bolts the connector I need to unplug? Also, once unpluged could I still have some heat in the car when I drive it before I replace the compressor. Tonight here in Michigan will be 23F - rather cold.
Thank you, Pat

[psfred]

Yes that's the plug.

However, if the clutch is dragging badly (which is why you can't move it easily), it will still make noise...

Having the compressor unplugged will have no effect whatever on the heat, it's only running when it's that cold if you have the defrost button pushed, and not much even then.

Peter

THERE IS NO POINT IN UNPLUGGING IT, ONCE THE RUBBER TEARS THERE IS NO CONNECTION BETWEEN THE CLUTCH AND PUMP, YOU WILL HAVE TO REPLACE BOTH PUMP AND CLUTCH. MERCEDES WILL NOT WARRANTY A REPLACEMENT COMPRESSOR THAT REPLACED A SIEZED UNIT UNLESS YOU FLUSH THE SYSTEM, REPLACE THE EXPANSION VALVE AND RECIEVER DRYER. THEY FEEL THE DEBRIS FROM THE ORIGINAL ONE WILL RUIN THE REPLACEMENT.
RAY
MERCEDESSD@COX.NET