Merc 4-cyl --> rattle from PS pump

franksm

Hi folks

My '92 230CE is developing a rattle (mainly from cold) which appears to be coming from the power-steering pump or else one of the other pulleys in that area (idler, water pump, etc). No heat shields in that area, so it's not that.

The pulleys themselves are bolted up fine. Does this sound like normal failure mode for a PS pump ? Or do they normally screech and leak themselves into an early grave ?

Cheers

Frank

mike65

Failing pump bearings would growl rather then rattle I'd say.

Nice schematic

http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.asp?TP=1&F=124023&M=102%2E98%5F504&GM=716218&VIN=%2A&CT=M&cat=504&SID=13&SGR=015&SGN=01



Mike.

junkyard

A company called Innovation do an additive to put in with your powersteering that lubricates the unit and seals any leaks, I know its a quick fix most of the time and it might save you fitting a new unit to it. Its worth a try anyway.

Esel

The bushing on the belt tensioner (it looks like a tiny shock absorber) may be gone. This causes a rattle at tickover. Have seen this on a 190. It sounds nasty, but is fairly harmless! (if that is the problem).

AMurphy

I'd be more inclined to look at teh Waterpump or an idler pulley than the PS, UNLESS the PS shaft seal is also leaking PS fluid.


Remove the belt or belts and see if you can wiggle any of the pullies.

Also, harmonic balancer crank pullies can create noise if they fail. What sort of a crank pully do you have. Solid or damped?

franksm

Cheers for the ideas... PS isn't leaking or anything. I'm new to this engine, so will have to take a closer look in daylight and with a stethoscope or something.

Failing that, I'll probably find a Merc specialist/independant in Dublin if there is one, although that'll be breaking the habit of a lifetime ie. paying someone else to do something on the car.