126 '88 560 SEL - strange noises & rotor help

[McLaren]

When I start up the car, there is a strange high speed sound from the front driver side area in the engine compartment. I dunno what that sound is all about - - - the engine runs great and all of a sudden I hear this strange sound! Thoughts?

Also, I did not see any allen bolts on the rotor. There are 5 smooth head pins - that I tried to hammer out bu hammering inward - no luck.

How does one get these off on a 126?

There are many comments on how to adjust the steering box. How easy is this for a DIY'er?

Thanks for your comments -

[Kebowers]

the rotors just pull off after the lug bolts are removed. I have seem a small (10MM head) bolt used to hold them on.

[Kebowers]

rotors that are 'stuck' can usually be removed by mild tapping on the edge with a hammer, or heat the rotor next to the hub with a propane torch. (not too hot about 300F works well.)

[mhingram]

to get the rotors off;
1. remove wheel and lugs
2. Remove dust cap from hub and take of bearing lock bolt
3. Pull rotor.
4. Place rotor in vice. Take bearings out first, clean and let dry. then use 10mm allen sockect and 3 foot breaker bar.
5. Place on new rotors and blue locktite the allens tighten to spec torque.
6. repack bearings and put hub back on adjust bearing lock bolt to eliminate free play. Replace dust cap
7. reattach wheel.
good luck.
m

On noise could be timing chain slap not good pull valve covers and check cahin guides. Usually this is on the pasanger side in the US. How long does the noise last is it always there. If for a short period 30-40 secs can also be the airpump. again this is usually passenger side though. On drivers side could be the PS pump or hydrolic suspension pump.

m

[Q]

mhingram's description of removal of the front rotors is acurate for the W126.

[psfred]

Those "smooth headed pins" are the back end of 5 bolts, 10 mm Allen socket. They attach the rotor to the hub from the back, so the hub has to come off to get to them.

Good time to repack and inspect the wheel bearings, too, obviously.

Peter