Which Mercedes has balance shaft problems?
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Mercedes M272
Balance shaft gear problems are most typical among V6 piston engines, primarily the Mercedes M272 in models manufactured between the years 2004–2008. Furthermore, the symptoms may come on suddenly around more than halfway to your 100,000–mile engine check–up.
When did Mercedes fix the balance shaft issue?
Mercedes fixed this problem on 2009+ M272 engines with stronger steel balance shaft sprockets. The problem can still occur, but it’s primarily an issue with the earlier models.
What is a balance shaft on a Mercedes?
Your balance shaft gear is part of your engine, the component that balances out all the other components within your engine. Its main purpose is to eliminate vibrations, especially when you achieve higher speeds.
What happens when balance shaft fails?
Failure of the balance shaft leaves the inner components of your engine unsecured and therefore will ultimately result in damage to the engine if left unchecked. Driving at high speeds for long periods can agitate the problem even further due to the constant vibrations without a proper securing mechanism.
How much is a balance shaft?
The average cost for balance shaft drive belt replacement is between $360 and $438. Labor costs are estimated between $296 and $374 while parts are priced at $64. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location.
What do balance shafts do?
Balance shafts are used in piston engines to reduce vibration by cancelling out unbalanced dynamic forces. The counter balance shafts have eccentric weights and rotate in opposite direction to each other, which generates a net vertical force.
Can you replace a balance shaft?
If you believe your balance shaft belt is damaged, have one of our expert mechanics inspect and replace it if necessary. The best time to do this is during your timing belt replacement so you can catch it before it breaks.
Why do people delete balance shafts?
Reasons to remove your balance shaft Because the balance shafts rotate at twice the engine RPM, their bearings can take quite a beating. It’s also relatively easy to exceed what the balance shaft bearings are capable of handling once your start increasing your rev limit.
Are there any problems with the balance shaft on a Mercedes?
Mercedes-Benz balance shaft problems and how to check your car. Mercedes-Benz V6 and V8 engines had timing chain problems caused by balance shaft and idler gear failures. Mercedes produced certain models with defective gears in their balance shafts (M272 engines) or with defective idle gears ( M273 engines).
What kind of engine has a balance shaft worn sprocket?
Engines with the balance shaft worn sprocket were Mercedes-Benz 350 models (Example: E350 C350 etc. ) that were equipped with the M272 engine. Mercedes-Benz engine is typically labeled as 450 models that have the V8 M273 engine had problems with worn guide idler gear. The parts themselves are not very expensive, but they are very costly to replace.
What are the symptoms of a balance shaft worn sprocket?
Early signs of this problem are the check engine light and engine noise. If the timing chain fails, the pistons can hit the valves and cause severe damage to the engine. Engines with the balance shaft worn sprocket were Mercedes-Benz 350 models (Example: E350 C350 etc. ) that were equipped with the M272 engine.
What kind of timing chain problems does a Mercedes Benz have?
Mercedes-Benz V6 and V8 engines had timing chain problems caused by balance shaft and idler gear failures. Mercedes produced certain models with defective gears in their balance shafts (M272 engines) or with defective idle gears ( M273 engines).