Dust Filter Replacement - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

deuce · #1 02-20-2003, 02:11 PM

Hello All,

I posted this on an old thread but wanted to repost it here for more visability.

Here's the deal:

Last Saturday I parked my car and shut it off before the wiper finished its downward return stroke, causing it to stop in the middle section of the drivers side of the windshield. I didn't think much about it then and left it. Well, we had a small snow and ice storm come through on Sunday and it froze the wiper in that position. My wife went out on Tuesday (didn't drive it on Monday) and started the car to warm it up. I come out 10 min. later and smell the distinct odor of burning electronics. I start hunting around and discover that the wiper motor is attempting to return the wiper to the idle position but can't thanks to the snow. I quickly cleared the windshield and the wiper was freed. Long story short (I know...too late) the wiper is still working but the smell of the burnt motor is still coming out, especially when the Heater is running. I looked around and there appears to be a filter of some kind that is visible from the engine compartment located just under the wiper. If that is the A/C dust filter, I'm wondering if the smell of the burning motor is trapped in it and it's being distributed throughout the cabin when the A/C/Heater is running. If so, I need to change it.

So, how hard is it to replace the filter and how much is the filter?

Also, if you think I'm barking up the wrong tree here on what's causing the smell...I'm all ears...er, eyes.

Thanks,
Munsey

sbourg · #2 02-20-2003, 02:40 PM

Typically, motors have electromagnet structures that consist of thin iron leaves bonded together with insulating resin to build up to the needed magnetic flux for the power the motor needs. The insulated leaves prevent self-induced currents from the magnetic field in the iron core. If this insulation begins to burn away, 'shorting' the leaves together, it causes high induced currents that cause both high current consumption in the motor and a lot of internal heating - making the condition worse. The motor may appear to work normally, but actually has reduced shaft torque and is a fire risk. If you put your hand near it while it is running, it will probably be very hot.

I would just replace the motor at this point.

Steve

deuce · #3 02-21-2003, 06:35 PM

Well, that's encouraging. Not that I don't want the truth. Just was hoping not to hear that. I'll see about replacing the motor. I'm not a mechanic but am good with tools and can do most technical things if I learn what to do.

How hard is the motor replacement and do you have any advice on the dust filter? Where could I go to get detailed instructions on the repairs?

Thanks,
Munsey

aTOMic · #4 02-21-2003, 06:48 PM

USE THE SEARCH!

I searched for cabin air filter here ya go...

lazy man's search results (click here)

link to bosch filter site here

deuce · #5 02-21-2003, 07:07 PM

Thanks for the insight aTOMic.

However, I did that already and didn't find any instructions, only that it's a PITA. Doesn't mean that there aren't any on the site (it is rather large), just that I didn't find them.

And as for the "lazy man's search results"...that link is for a 210. If you'd look at my signature you'd see I drive a '95...AKA 124. The 210 filters are located in two places; in the floor board on the front passenger side and behind the glove box. For all 124's built in '94 and '95, the filters are located directly under the windshield wiper and are accessed from inside the engine compartment. I can see the little booger when I lift the gasket surounding the wiper base, but I don't know how to get to it. That's what I'm trying to find out since my SEARCH didn't find a thread that had the steps necessary to replace the filter. I do admit to not having searched for the motor replacement yet. However, I will try and search for that info and will re-search for details on the filter replacement.

Thanks again for the insight.

Munsey