ml270 possible alternator problem

[jay1983]

hi all as mentioned above I think my alternator may be on its way out.

while idling in or slowing down there is a squeaking noise coming from the engine. it seems to disappear when I accelerate so I wasn't too worried. car still pulls fine and goes through gears OK.

i suspected aux belt tensioner but once I got the bonnet open I couldn't pinpoint the noise. i had a good look at the alternator and it looks as though the pulley is "wobbling" a bit. the aux belt at the top moves fine however.

should I be concerned? im in wales at the moment and am not due to go home till friday, so ive got an 80 mile journey on mainly A roads and motorway. ive got no tools with me to whip belt off and have a look at pulley properly. the noise only started yesterday.

am i taking a huge risk attempting to drive home?

 

[230K]

Hi

It sounds like you need a new free wheeling pulley on the alternator, I would chance it the 80 miles, try and drive nice and steady no heavy accelerator movements just drive smooth and steady.

I got home from Paris to Belfast with the same problem and the alternator light only came on less than a mile from home.

Good luck

230K

 

[jay1983]

Well had to bite the bullet and take the car into a local garage. The noise coming from alternator was horrendous and had started to knock.
Called out the AA and noticed there was metal filings spitting out everywhere. No chance the car was getting me home.
Had to advise the mechanic however the "strange" pipe was actually there because it is water cooled.
Fingers crossed