Parts Catalog Accessories Catalog How To Articles Tech Forums
Call Pelican Parts at 888-280-7799
Shopping Cart Cart | Project List | Order Status | Help



Go Back   PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum > Mercedes-Benz Tech Information and Support > Tech Help

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 02-13-2005, 09:27 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: NJ
Posts: 5
Harmonic Balancer Replacement on S500

My Harmonic Balancer on my 2000 S500 is wobbling badly and the rubber is hanging out. I've seen a lot here on this happening to the ML's and was wondering if the same tools are required to replace the balancer on the S500. I will purchase the new balancer tomorrow but can someone confirm which tools are needed and can I purchase the balancer holder on MercedesShop.com?

Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 02-13-2005, 09:42 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Dallas, Tx
Posts: 701
Eek.. Not a fun job, be sure to take your time with that one. Removing the balancer bolt is probably the most difficult part of the job. When you buy a new one be sure and get a new front main seal too. You have 3 options for removing the big main bolt.
1) use a makeshift tool that can be used to hold the balancer itself in place
2) purchase tool from dealer, you remove the starter and put this in it's place, it then locks the flywheel solid so you can remove the bolt without turning the engine.
3)remove the front access grommett from the transmission and use your lug wrench (bar) to go into the openings of the flywheel and hold it in place while you remove the bolt, requires 2 people.

The easiest and safest way is #2, but the tool is $250. I used the #3 method and it worked really well. Just be sure that you have a good solid torque position, otherwise you can bend something. I have heard of people using a crow bar on the teeth of the flywheel, but I would be afraid of breaking or bending the teeth.

I am very concerned about a 2000 model with HB issues, I thought the problem with the failing HB's were resolved because of what happened with the 320 v6's. Be sure to replace this asap, and don't drive your car until you do, if it comes lose or fails entirely it will take your lower timing cover and oil pan with it, causing thousands$$$ in damage. Good luck!
Brian
__________________
Brian W. Heitman

www.MBCA.org/northtexas

Join MBCA!!!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 02-13-2005, 10:21 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: NJ
Posts: 5
Thanks for the options on locking the flywheel Brian. I think I will try yours. Can you confirm that the hex size is 17 mm for the bolt.

Thanks again,
Steve
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 02-13-2005, 10:26 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Georgia
Posts: 69
You can get the tool for cheaper from some sources, not sure off the top of my head. MB doesnt recommend holding the flywheel to remove the balancer. You can break the crankshafts on the 112 and 113 engines easily by doing that. I sure some pple have done it, but with my luck I would end up breaking it. On the older engines you can do that, but thats why they made the balancer tool for the 112 and 113. Depending on how good of a customer you are to the dealer, you might be able to get the balancer good willed since it is a known problem. good luck.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 02-13-2005, 10:38 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Dallas, Tx
Posts: 701
Wow,
Break the Crankshaft? I am glad I got an SL320 and not an SL500! In that case I would call your dealership and speak to the shop foreman, tell him what you are doing and what his reccomendation is for removing the bolt. I did the same thing and that is what they told me, but mine is an in-line 6, not a new generation v8, so give them a call, and pray your engine never mis-fires.

__________________
Brian W. Heitman

www.MBCA.org/northtexas

Join MBCA!!!
Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Socket Size to Remove Harmonic Balancer slilley Tech Help 1 10-20-2004 06:42 PM
Dowel Pins on Harmonic Balancer airfoill Diesel Discussion 8 04-19-2004 11:36 AM
harmonic balancer replacement phillip ML, GL, G-Wagen, R-Class, Unimog, Sprinter 2 08-05-2003 04:31 PM
Harmonic Balancer - Is this right? JHZR2 Diesel Discussion 5 07-22-2003 01:24 PM
Harmonic Balancer Replacement MBJOE Tech Help 2 01-07-2002 08:37 AM



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:03 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2018 Pelican Parts, LLC - Posts may be archived for display on the Peach Parts or Pelican Parts Website -    DMCA Registered Agent Contact Page