My HB was replaced at 52K miles after $2,800 disaster (covered by the dealer after a nasty battle). P/N 112-035-00-00 was replaced with 112-035-08-00 along with timing chains cover, upper oil pan, belt tensioner, etc.

30K miles later the HB shows the cracks at the midle of the rubber all around, which I understand it is a real bad sign.

I was planning to change the HB every 60K with the belt. Does the HB balancer should be replaced like every 25K miles? As I have searched in this forum there is a recent new P/N 112-035-35-00.

Rene
'99 ML320 82K miles

My '00 C280 has the original HB on it which shows P/N 112-035-08-00. At 57K miles it shows some wear but no cracks. I am planning to change anyways it at 60K at the time the belt need replacement.

the cracking is not a bad sign, if you look close it is not the rubber that is cracked, but a coating on the rubber.
the bad sign is when the rubber actually starts to protrude, another way is to look at it when the engine is running if the balancer is wobbling, that also is a bad sign.
let me know what you find.
Ray
mercedessd@cox.net

Thanks for your reply Ray,

No, the balancer is not wobbling and there is no protrusion on the rubber. It very well be the rubber coating your are mentioning.

I am just trying to prevent this known problem to even show signs, especially when my wife and son are using the cars. I had a real bad experience last time.

I'll keep an eye on it. In too weeks I have to do a 400 mile trip .

Rene

yes do keep an eye on it, how long has it been since the repair by time?
every 112 engine that comes in my shop gets the balancer looked at. so check it when you get gas, carry a flash light to get a good look at it.

It has been about 2-1/2 years since the HB was replaced.

Rene

I couldn't believe in when I checked the part number on the one in my 98ML, P/N 112-035-00-00, the day before making a high speed run to Las Vegas and back. The rubber looked good and no wobble, so off I went! To maintain a high average speed on the two lane US93, you have to do some 3rd gear passing and I didn't baby it. What a great handling car! Plus I averaged 22mpg for the 700 miles.

I bought the car in June, and after reading all the horror stories, I thought sure it had been replaced long ago. Especially since this has been an Arizona car it's entire life!Thanks to someone who posted a picture of his HB so I could compare it with mine.

Do I have a record of sorts?

Jim