Red dust on vents and blower assembly?

[jrbnc]

I took out the blower motor to replace on my 88 190e. When I opened up the compartment everything was red. Like a dust which i had to wipe off with a rag. But it was kind of stuck on there. Then I remembered my vents had a bit of a redish tint to them. Anyone ever come across this before?

[THEDADLORD]

I had seen this "dust" before on previous 190E's I've worked on. That dust apparently comes from the bronze bushings on the blower motor's shaft. The bushings are composed of copper and tin. Thus the reddish color. When they begin to wear out, the dust flies and the blower usually starts to growl or scream like a banshee when its operated cold. If there's lots of dust, I'd say your blower's days are numbered. Any free play in those bearings allows the shaft to vibrate and that eats up the carbon brushes that powers those fans.

William

[jrbnc]

Ah yes, that would explain it. Mine sounded so bad my ears just couldnt take it anymore. When i removed mine there was lots of play. I went to the junk yard yesterday and picked one up for $50. Its pretty solid and now my blower is stronger and quieter than ever. Thanks for the input!!