Texas
Are you hearing a metallic grinding sound in your Mercedes engine that is hard to ignore? If this is the case, chances are that your engine has a worn balance shaft gear, which is usually prevalent in some Mercedes models. If ignored, this issue can cause a total breakdown of the timing chain. However, there are ways to address the problem before it causes more damage. Let’s have a better understanding of what the balance shaft gear does in a Mercedes, why it wears out, and how you can tackle this fault as a Mercedes car owner.
What is a Balance Shaft Gear?
A balance shaft is a part of your engine that is designed to reduce the amount of vibrations within the engine. If you are driving a Mercedes, especially the V6 engine version, you should expect to find a balance shaft that rotates within the engine, to counteract the rocking motion. In its ideal operation, this gear has the function to dampen vibrations, which makes your ride much more comfortable.
Why Does the Balance Shaft Gear Wear Out?
Similar to any other part of your car, the balance shaft gear is also not exempted from wearing out. The teeth of the gear may undergo wear and tear due to friction, heat, and everyday usage. When the gear is worn out, it does not hold the balance shaft in position, which is when you begin to see signs of failure.
How To Tackle Balance Shaft Gear Failure
- Identify Signs: If you suspect that the balance shaft gear is degrading, the first thing you should do is identify the symptoms early. Luckily, there are basic signs such as increased vibration, rough running, or any unusual noise emanating from the engine.
- Professional Inspection: The next step after identifying all the signs, is to have your vehicle taken to a certified Mercedes technician. Diagnosing balance shaft gear wear is not for DIY enthusiasts and should be left to the professionals. The mechanic will connect a diagnostic tool to the engine control unit (ECU) to check if any codes that have to do with timing issues, come up. They will also carry out a further physical assessment of the timing chain, the balance shaft, and other related engine parts, to establish whether the balance shaft gear is the main culprit or not.
- Replace Shaft: If it is determined that your balance shaft gear is worn, the only course of action is to replace the gear. This process may take a lot of time and effort since to get at the balance shaft, several components, including the timing chain of the engine, must be unclipped. The mechanic will then have to replace the gear that has worn out with a new one and ensure that the new gear fits correctly on the engine. They will also suggest that the timing chain be changed at the same time because in most cases, it may have worn out already. A worn-out timing chain will add pressure to the new balance shaft gear, so it is advisable to replace the two if they are both bad.
- Use Quality Parts: When fixing the balance shaft, it’s important to use high-quality replacement parts. In newer models, Mercedes has changed the design of the balance shaft gear to make it more durable. So when replacing the part in your model, be sure your mechanic is using either an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) part or a high-quality aftermarket part.
Bring Your Mercedes To The Foremost Repair Shop In Texas
At European Service Center, we deal with the diagnosis and fixing of balance shaft gear issues in European vehicles, particularly Mercedes. Our team of mechanics is trained to handle all kinds of Mercedes issues, so you can count on us to make your vehicle drive as smoothly as possible. We only use original components and guarantee that every repair is carried out to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Whether you’re encountering balance shaft gear wear or another problem, we’ll be able to expertly assist you and get your Mercedes back on the road. You can trust our mechanics with your Mercedes if you reside in Houston & Dallas, TX. We have 4 workshops in Texas and another 4 in Georgia, from where we deliver exceptional services. Book an appointment with us now to guarantee that your Mercedes serves you to the best of its capacity for many years.
* Black Mercedes-Benz Car image credit goes to: franz12.