Yes...yet another valeo thread...and more issues

[Geeves]

Hi guys

My apologies for bringing this often discussed issue up again once again, but I have spent hours trawling the net and searching this forum for an answer, but feel more confused than ever before. So I am just going to ask out straight - is there anyone on this forum that might be able to tell me whether I should worry about the valeo radiator issue?

Details are as follows:

W211
E270
2003
52,000 miles
Pampered

Research seem to indicate that both my engine (647961), gearbox (722640) and build date (30/09/03) should make me worry, but not my VIN (2110162A396544). Is that right? I have also tried to see if I can identify my radiator, but I was not able to. I was, however, able to identify the small cooler in front of the main radiator as a Behr. Should I worry?????

I do, however, have one or two other issues I really hope someone will be able to help with:

- Slight vibration on the steering wheel accampanied with light rumble when braking lightly from higher speeds (i.e. 60+ mph). Brake discs and pads are basically brand new (less than 10,000 miles). Torque struts? Control arm bushings?
- Clunk/rattle from front when going over bumps. Linked to above - suspension? Or can it be engine mounts?
- Strange whining/moaning sound. Not unlike a power steering pump that is on the way out or low on fluid. But it is not the power steering pump as sound does not change much with turning of steering and it feels fine. Linked to engine revs sound changes. Seem to be present whether in gear or not. Comes and goes, does not seem to have a particular pattern, but usually more audible at lower speed (i.e. below 50 mph) when cruising or coming off the throttle. A buzziness/grittiness/light vibration can be felt through the steering wheel at the same time when sound is loud for a second or two (which happens every once in a while). Engine mounts? A defective pulley or bearing?

My dealer has been unsatisfactory so far...

Much appreciated!

G

 

[djb]

"Slight vibration on the steering wheel accampanied with light rumble when braking lightly from higher speeds (i.e. 60+ mph). Brake discs and pads are basically brand new (less than 10,000 miles). "

rust patches on disc, or previous heavy braking followed by sitting on brakes while stopped is known to lead to slight brake vibrations.

Rumble inmo points to disc / pad problem


cant help re valeo,(insufficient knowledge) but many here will help

 

[television]

Re the braking vibration this sound or is a faulty new disc, this can happen, so go back to the one that fitted them.

your car could have had the Valeo problem, but as you have a Behr cooler you are safe, the 30-09-03 was the cut off date for this but some cars still came through with this problem, but as said you should be safe.

The rattle going over bumps will be the roll bar or drop links.

The humming noise could be the SBC brakes, there was a mod for this.

The steering rack can also cause this and there is a mod

 

[Geeves]

Re the braking vibration this sound or is a faulty new disc, this can happen, so go back to the one that fitted them.

your car could have had the Valeo problem, but as you have a Behr cooler you are safe, the 30-09-03 was the cut off date for this but some cars still came through with this problem, but as said you should be safe.

The rattle going over bumps will be the roll bar or drop links.

The humming noise could be the SBC brakes, there was a mod for this.

The steering rack can also cause this and there is a mod

Phew re. radiator! Thanks Television, much appreciated.
However, I do not think it is the occasional SBC groan, which I am quite familiar with - it is more of a constant whine that changes with engine revs. I noticed yesterday, with the engine off, that one of the pulleys on the belt in front of the engine makes a buzz like sound when I tap it hard with my finger (i.e. like there is something loose inside) and this morning the car seems to be a lot quieter again...any records of pulleys going bad that can lead to a whiney sound?

Car going into a different garage this coming Monday so will go with them with whatever ammunition/info I have by then!

 

[television]

The idler pulley could be bad, but the indie should know, there has been cases where the steering hoses are touching components that they should not be and mods for this too

 

[jberks]

Other possible causes for the buzz/whine are
a) as you say, engine mounts - certainly new ones made a big difference to my 270
b) A tyre - they can have a surprising effect on noise/feel.
c) Air filter mounts - they can expire prematurely if someone has spilt oil down there. Quite obvious as the filter housing vibrates like buggery at idle - try putting your hand on it when the engine is running to stop the vibration.