...1988 190E 2.6 five-speed. One of the two auxiliary electric fans is inoperative.

It will only turn in the opposite direction of normal rotation and makes a "ratcheting" noise - click, click, click.... My guess is that a brush has worn out and the brush holder is contacting the commutator.

Has anyone ever taken any of these 80s to 90s vintage auxiliary electric fans apart and rebuilt them?

Duke

I found this thread here that may be helpful:

Aux Fan Maintenance

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1989 300CE

Thanks for the link to the Diesel Discussion forum. Those guys have it together.

I'll disassemble the fan and see if I can rebuild it. Fastlane only sells the fans for my 190E 2.6 as a pair - $222 for Bosch and $173 for an aftermarket brand.

Rebuilding is certainly a better alternative.

Duke