Removing heat from and keeping a Mercedes Benz's engine temperature in a controllable level is an important key in maintaining the vehicle's durability. This is the job of the cooling system. One of the most hard-working, and perhaps the most important component of the engine's cooling system is the Mercedes Benz Water Pump. Considered as the heart of a Mercedes cooling system, the water pump's role is to circulate the engine coolant continuously through the cooling system-from the radiator to the engine and then back again. Failure of the the water pump in this gargantuan task will mean failure to the cooling system itself. The affected vehicle will run hot and possibly suffer severe damage from engine overheating.
How does the Mercedes Benz Water Pump work? The water pump gets its power from the engine. It circulates coolant form the radiator, through the engine, and back to the radiator. A typical water pump has an inlet near the center so the coolant returning from the radiator hits the pump vanes. The pump vanes fling the coolant to the outside of the water pump, where it enters the engine.
Some of these water pumps operate through a belt and pulley, while others via a gear or chain. This power is transferred to a shaft on which there is an impeller. The impeller spins and circulates coolant in much the same way a propeller works on a boat or airplane to move water or air. The shaft and impeller spin on a sealed bearing, and this bearing is the part of a that usually wears out.Consequently, a water pump that is about to give up gives an ominous sign-coolant leak. It may also make noise as its bearing loses its way. Obvious signs of a failing water pump are coolant leaks originating from the water pump itself or the surrounding engine area. A wet engine or a coolant leak through the vent under a water pump are also sure signs of impending water pump failure.Since a water pump is either working or not, replacement is a matter of necessity or preventive maintenance. If a vehicle's water pump is leaking or has failed considerably, it obviously needs to a replacement. On the other hand, since often times much of the cooling system or engine itself may need to be removed to access the water pump, replacement may be an advisable move when servicing surrounding systems.
Some water pumps are relatively easy to access and can be serviced with basic hand tools and mechanical manuals. Other water pumps are so buried inside an engine that professional help is required. Water pumps that get their power from the timing belt or chain are often located inside the engine and best replaced when servicing either by component, and/or vice versa. Another ideal time to replace the water pump is when the cooling system is due for major service such as radiator replacement or removal since the first step in replacing the water pump is draining the coolant. Repairing the water pump is often easier when the radiator is removed for added working clearance. Maintenance of the Mercedes Benz Water Pump is so important it might mean the life of your engine.
