300E, was able to isolate rattle. it comes
from small shock absorber at the belt tensioner
area. looks very tight. is this a DIY job?
if it is, what does it take to do it? TIA

You are not alone me and most of my friends went thru the same thing with all 300E and190E..50 dolllar part/300dollars labour...there is no shorcut but to take the waterpump out..and i dont think its worth the VERY VERY anoying rattle...so for a few years and thru 2 cars .I just tied the shock with some copper wire to something ..but if you do that just make sure u change the shock when you doing your waterpump..Good luck!!

The water pump does not have to be removed to replace shock. The shock can easily be replaced by removing the pulleys. Before replacing the shock try putting some teflon tape around the 13mm bolt (only the part that goes thru the shock bushing) that attaches the shock to the top bracket.

Vinamg

Water Pump R&R, NO & NO NO
 

Brother of the Benz, joel
Vinang said it like it is. Don't even think of removing the water pump.
Yes it is a DIYer job.
Cool engine.
Proper tools.
Patience.
OE part.
I just posted a reply to a fellow M/B owner with the illusive front engine rattle.
That little rascal has put mud on a lot of faces.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman in Houston!!!

You can get the tensioner shock out without taking out the water pump. The bottom bolt is in the dark depths of the 103 engine bay. Unless you have really small hands, you would probably have to remove the radiator to get your hand and a 1/4" drive ratchet and 10 or 11mm deep socket. You can't see the bolt with the radiator in the car. The top bushing on the shock has gotten brittle and was hammered to death. For a temporary fix you can take the top bolt out and see what you can do the jury rig it. Possibly some rubber tape or silicone sealant.

Getting ready to replace my shock and tensioner assembly this weekend. The MB mechanic who helped me diagnose recommended the following:

Remove the top radiator support,
Remove the shroud and fan,
Remove the pulleys on the water pump and steering pump,
Remove the belt,
Take the bolt out of the tensioner,
Remove the two bolts from the steering pump for the front support bracket,
Loosen the tensioner,
Unbolt the top of the shock,
Work with it - it will come out.

Might help if you want to get the shock out to remove the tensioner as well. Have a look - might need replacing. Mine is squeaking - tough to locate that noise sometimes.

Hope this helps

Chris

93 190e 2.6 92k
81 240D 209k
89 Range Rover 140k

Sounds like this is much like my 350 SDL ... is there a spring and a shock that form the basis for absorbing the tension?

Mine was a bit tight, but no big deal after you unbolted everything. I understand the problem (on the diesels at least) is that the bushings get beat up ... they supposedly fixed this on the replacement shock I got. About an hour - I am slloooowww the first time.

Don't forget to replace the belt when you do the shock replacement ... perfect time. Cheap insurance. Keep the one you take off for a spare!

George

thank you all for the info. apart from
the annoying rattling sound, i am still in
the hunt for my a/c cutting out on me.
i've read in another thread that this defective
shock might be the caused of my a/c cutting out.
can anyone reconfirm this? Thanks.

It's Too Cheap
 

Brothers of The Benz, all Rattle Shocks
Mine rattled.
It was replaced by my dealer here in Houston for less than $60.00 parts and labor.
Considerring other things I many want to do, or sit in the comfort of the air conditioned customers lounge, looking at new cars.
I hired it instaslled.
12 month warrantee, parts and labor.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman in Houston!!!

Time Better Spent
 

Brother of The Benz, joel
That rattling rascal isn't worth the time and effort it would take you to replace it.
There are more important items on your Beloved than mess with this.
I had mine replaced by my dealer here in Houston.
Cost?
Less than $60.00 parts and labor with a 12 month unlimited miles warrantee.
Can't beat that!
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman in Houston!!!

wow,$60. i don't think anyone can beat that!!

Check It Out
 

Brother of The Benz, joel
As always The Spiderman is out in left field.
Before you roll up your sleeves, get some estimates for having the shock replaced.
For what it cost in Houston, I would rather cool my heals in the Waiting Room.(customer's lounge for the upper class)
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman in Houston!!!

you guys refering to replacement of the front shocks on a 124?

Nope
 

Brother of The Benz, momentum
This is a small shock absorber about 8-10 inches in length and it takes the reaction from the automatic serpinteen belt adjuster.
You can see it laying horizontal behind the adjuster.
Read the discriptions and you will be able to locate it.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman in Houston!!!