My thanks goes out to all the guys who gave me input on this little project. I removed the motor housing and regulator. I "soaked" the shaft/bearing/bushing with tran fluid. I blew out the motor assembly (and it WAS dirty!) and cleaned all the housing with Lysol. I then replaced the filter with an activated charcoal filter. Reassembled it and tested great!

One final question: The brushes on the blower motor looked VERY worn. Can I get these anywhere, or will I have to find some "close" and then grind them down to fit? I really would like to replace mine SOON! (for a W202 - 98 C280)

Thanks again!



A couple of days later ...
That noise is back, although it is very faint. I am thinking it may be from the brushes? I am still trying to find brush replacements, either exact or close enough to grind down. Any resources for these in the Dallas area?