SL55 AMG (R230) - Noisy bottom Pulley (Air Conditioning Compressor?)

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My car started making a really loud ticking noise all of a sudden, so much so someone actually asked me if it was a diesel :Oops:

On looking under the bonnet I noticed the bottom right pulley (Indicated with red arrow in photo) has a little wobble and there are little shavings of metal round about the wheel so I think the bearing may have collapsed :(

Looking for some help here:
- Does anyone have a pulley diagram for the 55 AMG engine to confirm if this is the A/C Compressor?
- How easy is it to replace?
- Part Number (for 2003 SL55) and best place to buy?


Thanks in advance :)
 

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SL63 Mark

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Sorry being a bit thick here, and may be wrong, but isn't that the crankshaft pulley ? :confused:
 
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Sorry being a bit thick here, and may be wrong, but isn't that the crankshaft pulley ? :confused:


Don't think the photo I posted was the best to be honest, I have attached a better photo (See Red Arrow).

I'm sure it is the A/C Compressor, was hoping someone could confirm with a diagram. I called Mercedes who gave me a parts price of £784 (inc VAT) :shock: but wouldn't give me the part number though.

Found two places online so far:
http://www.autoairconparts.co.uk/ca...003-5-4-amg55-petrol-manual-automatic-2345709
http://www.discountacparts.com/addt...l~SL55_AMG~descript~AC_Kit~part~60-80437.asp#


I have seen a couple of videos on YouTube where people have replaced the bearing on the unit but not sure if it can be done on mine?

Not sure if it is even possible to replace the complete A/C Compressor unit DIY?



p.s Ive not taken the engine out its just a photo I found online he...he...
 

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SL63 Mark

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Ah, I see, yes. That looks like the aircon compressor, judging by what I can see of it. the combined ABS/power steering pump is above it, and looks like the alternator is on the left. There's a water pump in there too, somewhere, and a supercharger at the top ! Best wait till someone with the EPC diagram confirms. I've never seen so many belts and pulleys,
 
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alexanderfoti

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Inside the AC pulley is a plastic anti rattle spring (ironically named), they break up and cause a very loud rattle at idle.

Looks like this:

$T2eC16hHJH8E9qSEYO4WBQcY2uz4r!~~60_1.JPG


Check to see if its not that before replacing the AC comp
 

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Not sure if it is even possible to replace the complete A/C Compressor unit DIY?

It is, you just need somebody to vac/charge the system before and after.

Keep anything that's been open to the elements covered (pipes etc)
 

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they wrongly call it a compressor clutch, they mean a pulley with a cush drive, the bearing is £13 and that's what wears.

Trying to locate the specific part number so you buy the right bit is an issue, merc will sell you it for £250 I found two companies that will do many different merc ones but they all seem to use a plastic pulley and all the bits they cost £60

EPC laughed and so did another Uk parts factor, they both said you need the whole compressor at £645 halfwits....

http://euro-klima.pl/en/

http://www.dasis.de/Autoteilekatalog.cfm?Anzeige=Hersteller&FahrzeugArt=PKW

http://www.sunairproducts.com/sunaireurope.html
 
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Cool....I was hoping the bearing/clutch(cush drive) could be replaced separately without having to replace the A/C Compressor itself.

Can the bearing etc be removed easily without removing the full unit?

Any instructions would be appreciated.

;)
 
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alexanderfoti

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Cool....I was hoping the bearing/clutch could be replaced separately without having to replace the A/C Compressor itself.

Can the bearing etc be removed easily without removing the full unit? Any instructions would be appreciated ;)

Yes, it can from underneath.

You have to hold the pulley, then get a socket on the front bit (think its an 8mm ). I used an oil filter strap to hold it. Once unscrewed, you press the center piece in, and pull out the split ring. Once done, the whole thing splits apart.
 
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Yes, it can from underneath.

You have to hold the pulley, then get a socket on the front bit (think its an 8mm ). I used an oil filter strap to hold it. Once unscrewed, you press the center piece in, and pull out the split ring. Once done, the whole thing splits apart.


I'll give it a go......watch this post, I'll keep you updated :cool:
 

alexanderfoti

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I'll give it a go......watch this post, I'll keep you updated :cool:

I did need a second person to hold the strap wrench, it was pretty tight.
 

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I did need a second person to hold the strap wrench, it was pretty tight.


I tried to remove the center nut but all it is doing is turning the inside mechanism :confused: (Instead of using a strap wrench I have left the belt on to prevent the pulley tuning)

See attached photo the middle nut actually looks off center, would this indicate the bearing has actually collapsed?
 
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I tried to remove the center nut but all it is doing is turning the inside mechanism :confused: (Instead of using a strap wrench I have left the belt on to prevent the pulley tuning)

See attached photo the middle nut actually looks off center, would this indicate the bearing has actually collapsed?

Forgot photo doh!
 

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alexanderfoti

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Forgot photo doh!
It's easier to hood the center nut and then unscrew the pulley from the shaft. When you day the inside mechanism spins, is that entirely?

I would be surprised if the belt gives enough grip to stop the pulley turning.
 
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I tried to remove the center nut but all it is doing is turning the inside mechanism :confused: (Instead of using a strap wrench I have left the belt on to prevent the pulley tuning)

See attached photo the middle nut actually looks off center, would this indicate the bearing has actually collapsed?

Bigger photo.
 

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It's easier to hood the center nut and then unscrew the pulley from the shaft. When you day the inside mechanism spins, is that entirely?

I would be surprised if the belt gives enough grip to stop the pulley turning.


Only the inside part is turning with the nut (not the front cover or the Pulley).
 
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Only the inside part is turning with the nut (not the front cover or the Pulley).

I removed the front cover with a screw driver and as you can see there are a lot of bearings missing, no wonder it was very loud :? (I still have the belt on the pulley.)

I've not attempted to remove the center nut as yet as wanted a little advice beforehand (To prevent further damage). When I turn the center nut (Blue arrow in pic) the inner center also turns (Red arrow in pic).

My next step is either:
a) Remove the belt and see if it just falls apart
OR
b) Get some mole grips on the inner part (Red Arrow) and try the center nut again....stupid question but I'm guessing it turns anti clockwise :)

Any suggestions would be appreciated.
 
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Pic
 

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alexanderfoti

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Wow as you say, no wonder it's making noise.

Your pulley has broken. The bit you removed should be unthreaded. And be removed as one piece. If it has (hard to see from pic) then your pulley will just fall off when you take the belt off.
 

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