98 c280 clutch fan/water pump pully issue - help please

[milo55041]

Hello,

I have been noticing in the last few days a very irritating screeching noise coming from my engine bay area. It is even there when the car idles and when it's running. I happened to take a look and I realized that when the car is idling, the pulley that helps spin the fan clutch (I think this is the right way of putting it) is shaking pretty heavily. I can see the fan clutch shaking. It's almost like its loose . I think the water pump is behind the fan clutch.

My question is, would it be the pulley that operates the water pump be bad? I grasped the clutch fan and I was able to shake it back and forth pretty well. I'm not sure if it is suppose to move like that....?? I don't think the water pump has been changed on this car ever and it has 130,000 miles....if it has been changed, it probably has been a while since it has been changed. Your input is greatly appreciated. Thank you.


1998 C280 Tiptronic sport

[cjshade]

You likely either have a bad fan clutch or a bad water pump. It is also possible that the bolts that hold the pulley on are very loose. The wobble and screaching is NOT normal and you should fix this before it gets worse and ruins your radiator. If it is the water pump bearings, do yourself a favor and replace the fan clutch while you are in there. These parts are readily available online and fairly easy to replace.

Good Luck!

C as in 220

[milo55041]

Originally Posted by cjshade

You likely either have a bad fan clutch or a bad water pump. It is also possible that the bolts that hold the pulley on are very loose. The wobble and screaching is NOT normal and you should fix this before it gets worse and ruins your radiator. If it is the water pump bearings, do yourself a favor and replace the fan clutch while you are in there. These parts are readily available online and fairly easy to replace.

Good Luck!

C as in 220

Any suggestions on what else to replace while doing the water pump? These are the things I have in mind of doing:

Water pump, fan clutch, accessory belt tensioner.

I'm also doing the valve cover gaskets. Should I replace anything else along that?

I'm hoping to do all these procedures myself. Are these semi-easy DIYs? I just replaced all the gaskets (including head gaskets) in my Audi A4. Do I need any special tools (i.e. to remove the fan clutch?) Thanks a bunch for any tips and advice.

[cjshade]

Definatly the belt if it's not recent. The bearing in the Idler Pully can be pressed out and replaced, or you can buy the Pulley with Bearing pretty cheap. The 90 degree hose between the Thermostat housing and the Water Pump. The Thermostat housing if it's old. Replace the rest of your hoses and clamps if they are old as well. Use MB or Zerex 05 Coolant and Distilled water. Yes, it's important to get the right coolant.

As far as special tools... I think it was a 5mm Allen that you need to remove the Fan Clutch. Unless you have a very short 90 degree Allen your hatin' life. I just took a Allen wrench an ground it down on my grinder till the short end fit.

Valve Cover Gasket... You might wat to change out your Plugs and Wires. I put the Bosch 4 ways in mine and have been very happy with the additional power and gas smilage.

If you've done a Head Gasket, this will be a piece of cake for you. Take your time and enjoy.

Good Luck!

C as in 220