M104 without airpump? Want a shorter belt - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

amg280 · #1 01-10-2009, 12:43 PM

Hey all. My airpump on my 95 is starting to screach at certain rpms. The bearing in the pulley assembly is starting to go bad. I dont want to drop 250-400 right now on a reman one. I would like to try and replace the bearing itself when the nice weather comes back. Is there a way to bypass this pump with a shorter serpentine belt? Is that even possible? Im sure there are some euro spec cars out there that didnt have the pump? Just a thought. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

whipplem104 · #2 01-10-2009, 06:44 PM

The easy answer on the belt is that you can get any size belt imaginable from the auto-parts store. The m104 and m103 use the same belt. You can get the belt for the m103 that was not equipped with a smog pump in the U.S.
The pump has to be removed.
Repl. the bearing is not as easy as it sounds. The bearing is hard to come by. I have only heard of a couple people selling it and it is pretty expensive. Like 60-90 dollars or more.

amg280 · #3 01-10-2009, 07:08 PM

Thanks for the info. I will research it. I have seen some sellers on ebay selling the bearing only for pretty cheap. Ofcourse the made in china label tells me not to bother. I will see if I can find the part number for the M103 non-smog belt.

Thanks.

pawoSD · #4 01-10-2009, 11:08 PM

This summer if I find a 300E in the junk yard without that pump I'm going to pull the pulley and swap it in to get rid of the air pump on ours....its just another thing that can break.

pifcat2 · #5 01-11-2009, 01:55 AM

If M104 and 103 are the same, I found info on belt lengths You may need the pump for smog.

BTW, I have one of two brackets that mounts the alternator lower on the engine.

amg280 · #6 01-11-2009, 08:00 PM

So to clarify, to successfully bypass the pump in my 95 104, I have to remove the pump, then relocate it the alternator to the pumps position with special brackets, and then use a belt from an 86 300E (no pump)?

From the looks of it, it seems you could just remove the pump and that will give enough clearance to not move the alternator. Ofcourse you might have to custom match up a belt? Any thoughts? Also, how to you plug the exhaust port, or dont you have to?

This sounds like it may be more trouble than its worth. I just hate to dump $400 into this pump when it could go to some other much needed maintenance.

Thanks for the kind replys.

pifcat2 · #7 01-12-2009, 01:25 AM

You don't need to move the alternator but you will need to find the correct belt length. Then you need to plug the lines to the pump and be sure you can pass your state smog requirements without the pump.

amg280 · #8 01-12-2009, 09:33 AM

Im not worried about smog. We dont test like that here in NY. The only caveat here is the dreaded check engine light for 96 and newer vehicles. Anything pre-96 is a walk in the park, especially if you know the owner of the shop.

Ron in SC · #9 01-12-2009, 09:50 AM

I replaced the bearing in mine with no problem. Mine was on an M103 motor so I don't know how much different your air pump might be.

amg280 · #10 01-12-2009, 09:52 AM

Where did you source the bearing from? Was it difficult to get to/extract the old bearing?

deanyel · #11 01-12-2009, 10:12 AM

http://www.bearingsdirect.com/store// There is allegedly an old thread here that tells you what size bearings you need but I have never been able to find it.

Ron in SC · #12 01-12-2009, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Where did you source the bearing from? Was it difficult to get to/extract the old bearing?

I bought two off an internet site I think about a couple of years ago.

The number on the bearing is 320-2001 it also has a C&S on it. The bearing says China too. They appear to be quite well made.

When I was looking for the bearing I found that no USA manf. could sell it because it was propriety to Mercedes Benz.

At the time I bought the bearing I had two 1992 300s one a wagon and one a sedan. I replaced the bearing in on of the vehicle but not the other since it did not need at the time.

The sedan has since been totalled so I have an extra bearing in the sealed bag it came in should you be interested in buying it. Changing out the bearing was no problem for me.

Kestas · #13 01-12-2009, 11:25 AM

From my archived notes (probably from that old thread). You may want to verify the information:

Belt:

For the belt delete on a 94 E320, replace belt 6PK2145 to belt 6PK2415.
Mercedes Benz Part Number: 011-994-47-92
Generic Part Number: 6PK2415
Available for $20.53 from ********AZ

Smog Pump Bearing:

For the 94 E320, http://bearingsdirect.com/products/index.php?action=category&id=56&subid=100 Easy fix for $30 or so per bearing.

"The smog pump clutch bearings are available in California. Our neighbor Steven sells the bearings. His company name is:
The Expediter, Engineering Design, Phone (310) 833-6388"

The dimensions are 32mm ID, 52 mm OD, height is 18mm.

amg280 · #14 01-13-2009, 10:04 AM

I ordered the bearing. I will let you know how it goes when I get it. I will post pics as well...