W202 - starter motor replacement

[c13tay]

How big a job is it ?

Mine has, as the mechanic calls it, a lazy solenoid. Makes a terrible noise when starting.

he tried to lubricate it with that special MB white grease, was ok for a week or so, now its at it again.

any other ideas or is it a replacement job - can the solenoid be replaced separately of is it the whole motor ???


thanks


Chris

 

[tom7035]

can the solenoid be replaced separately of is it the whole motor ???


thanks


Chris

The solenoid CAN be replaced separately, but I don't know whether MB will list it as a separate service part, may have to go to a specialist repairer for it. If your solenoid hasn't been operating properly there may be some damage to the pinion. Might be as well with complete unit from a breaker - maybe even renew the carbon brushes and give it a general clean-up and lube before fitting.
Not 100% sure but I think the unit has to be removed from under the car, using extension socket etc. above the tranny for the bellhousing bolts.

 

[paulcallender]

You can replace the solenoid on the Bosch or Valeo starter motors, but not on the Denso version. You could purchase the parts from a Mercedes dealer, or probably any good auto electrical supply shop which deals with Bosch or Valeo components. Most people replace the whole starter at the same time, simply because while the car is being worked on, it makes it a logical thing to also replace. For example, say you're solenoid had a life of 59,000 miles and the starter motor 60,000 miles. It would just make sense - to avoid a second breakdown and trip to the garage.

Remember, if its an auto then any starter motor problems are a show-stopper.

As far as I remember, the W202 starter is secured by 1 M10x90 bolt at the bottom, which screws into a threaded hole on the block - much easier than the W114 with a nut and bolt top and bottom! So you can undo its main connection easity. You may have a job wiggling it past the exhaust, though.

 

[c13tay]

Thanks for the advice - as usual makes sense.

Think I'll go fo a complete replacement

The car has never failed to start (Yet !!!) but the noise is very embarrassing !!!!