Yep, my thoughts exactly. Process of elimination works wonders.
So I went out there to remove the C3 and install the stock pulley. I am getting faster, 1st time it took me 4 hours, 2nd took me 2, and this time only took me 1. Thank goodness.
The verdict: the stock pulley is WHISPER QUIET. No metal grinding, no abnormal noises. Before I put the stock one back on I tested the bearing on both of them and the stock pulleys bearing felt so much smoother than the C3. Best I can describe it is the C3 felt a little grindey and only slightly tougher to turn (more resistance). I will say though that the difference is so small that I would NEVER think it could cause such a difference in noise levels.
So, as all of you have been saying all along, it looks like it's the bearing.
I also noticed a tiny intermittent chirping sound coming from the idler pulley (the one right next to SC pulley). Only could hear it with my ears near the engine bay.
I'll go ahead and buy a replacement and have a shop replace the bearing for me and report back.
Thanks to all for the help.
Originally Posted by 32krazy!
process of elimination. if you put the oem pulley back on its the pulley. if the sound is still there you have another issue.
if it is the pulley the bearing would be the place to start. dont use the oem bearing, go to the mbworld c32 section theres a guy selling bearings for 25$ or hpautowerks has the replacement bearing for 50$
to reove the bearing remove the circlip and set the pulley in a press. press out the old bearing pres in the new. reinstall circlip and your done.
be careful with the pulley in the press its aluminium and can be damaged.
mist shops would charge about 25$ to press a bearing
no lube on the clutch or the pulley shaft. the pulley rides on the bearing
check the spring clips on the back of the pulley. they attach the magnetic plate to the pulley and see if any of the pop rivets that hold the clips on have been damaged.
with the pulley off you can spin the s/c shaft and listen for any noises. it should spin freely and quietly.