My air pump is about to go out yet again, this will be the second time since I've owned my car, a '92 400E. It seems that the lifespan of this part is about 100k miles, a lifespan that is way to short, especially for the cost of the unit. I've been searching the forums and haven't found anything about replacing it with an idler pulley, which I would think someone has done.

Does anyone know if there is a bracket available, or is this has been done?

__________________
1992 Mercedes-Benz 400E
2002 Mercedes-Benz ML500

If you can't just use the idler pulley, try http://mbpumps.com/. I used them last year for a p/s pump with positive results.

__________________
1993 400E, 256,000 miles (totaled)
1994 E420, 200,000+ miles
1995 E420, 201,000 miles

I think you're going to have to invent this. Be sure to let us know how it goes.

Is the pump giving any trouble when the clutch is not pulled in ?

If NO, then just unplug the clutch b/c when the clutch is not coupled , the pump IS basically an idler pulley.. but if those bearings are bad too, then forget that suggestion.......................

__________________
A Dalton

It's the bearings that are bad, which sucks since the actual cost of that part is cheap. For the price of the pump it should last as long as the A/C compressor which has the same type of clutch set up.

__________________
1992 Mercedes-Benz 400E
2002 Mercedes-Benz ML500

Year..
Maybe just change the pulley bearings and unplug it..would be the same as an idler........but an idler may last longer.

__________________
A Dalton

These people - http://bearingsdirect.com/products/ - apparently have everything, but unfortunately can't tell you what you need, you have to tell them. I've not figured out a way to find out exactly what size you need without taking it apart.

Pulley bearing #s are in the Archieves.

__________________
A Dalton

For $205, wouldn't it be easier to swap it out? My bearings went too at about 150,000 miles. I think I paid the dealer about $1,500 for the pump (I didn't consider the Internet at the time).

By the way, if you take the pump off, you will need to get new hoses going in and out of the pump. They are probably very brittle and will break when you take them off.

__________________
1993 400E, 256,000 miles (totaled)
1994 E420, 200,000+ miles
1995 E420, 201,000 miles

I ordered a pump from mbpumps, I guess I'll be going thru this in another 100k.

__________________
1992 Mercedes-Benz 400E
2002 Mercedes-Benz ML500

If that's true, I'm right behind you--for a second replacement.

__________________
1993 400E, 256,000 miles (totaled)
1994 E420, 200,000+ miles
1995 E420, 201,000 miles

When I got my 500E it had an air pump replacement idler fitted.
I have no idea what codes etc. were logged.

I replaced my bearing there is a post here or benzworld about it. If you want the clutch to still engage just in case just pull the guts of the pump out.

You will fail the visual inspection at smog check in California without the airpump in place.

__________________
CENSORED due to not family friendly words

I bet most of the inspectors would not even notice, nor care. Here in MI we have no inspections!

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)