So suddenly today my water-pump pulley started making terrible noises (stock N/A, 77k) It appears that the pully is "wobbeling" and causing the belt to shift around on the pulley. I assume this means the pump is shot. There is nothing in the pulley itself to fail, correct?
Looking over the forums it seems to me this is the case, but wanted confirmation.
Also, it appears the Bosch pump is no longer available from Rock Auto... Any other suggestions on where to get the Bosch unit at a reasonable price? (I have checked all the major chain parts stores and none carry the Bosch unit, just off brand stuff...)
I have a very competent mechanic who will be helping me replace the pump, is there anything else we will need before we tear it apart? I thought someone said the stock (MB) gasket is better than the one supplied with the Bosch pump?
Special tools?
New coolant, or is the old reusable at 77k?
Any other advice? Thanks everyone.

 

Well, I did manage to find the Bosch unit thru Summit for $121.97, free shipping. And at Amazon for $140. According to Amazon's site, the Bosch pump has been discontinued.... Get 'em while you can. Are the gaskets included with the Bosch unit any good or should I still source the gaskets through Mercedes? Do i need a special water pump wrench? thanks again.

 

No special wrenches that I am aware of, if you don't consider a set of Torx sockets special.
Pay close attention to where the bolts came from, they are all various sizes / lengths.
It is best to lay the new pump close by and put each bolt into the corresponding hole on the new pump as you remove them.
Once the old pump is out, transfer all the bolts back to it, then one at a time back into the new pump as you put it on.
At 77K, I'd recommend a cooling flush and new 50/50 Zerex G05 and distilled water.

It's a relative easy job once you remove the cooling fan to gain access.

 

My mechanic just advised me that my water pump has fail on my 2005 CF Limited with 95K miles.
What he told me next was a shock, $800 for a water pump. He was told of three types and sent a photo of my water pump and that is how he get the price for the pump. Guys, please help it must be something else out there for way less.

 

yes, yes yes.
Rockauto has them for $47 - $127 - 13 choices. ( look for Mercedes 2004 SLK320 )
This is really a pretty easy DIY, Chuk even changed one out in the lodge parking lot at the last Fall Dragon.

 

I try not to DIY but if I can buy the part for under $200, I'm going to save a lot of money even for someone other than me to do the work. Is
Rockauto a store or online store for new or used parts? Is anything else needed other than the pump?

 

Rockauto is an online store : RockAuto Parts Catalog
You should check that the one you order comes with a gasket set.

I would recommend the Gates at $82.79 which has a lifetime warranty :
More Information for GATES 44082

 

I will order the Gates at $82.79. Thanks, if this all works out you would have saved me some big dollars.
thanks again. will update once completed.

 

THe bolts are similar heads and different lengths with one near the bottom thats a bit hidden.. Use a sheet of cardboard to hold the bolts so you have the locations identified. I just pierce the cardboard and store the bolts, you could also trace the gasket on the cardboard to make it really clear later,,,,, short term memory being what it is. Enjoy, Wdy

 

I just put the bolts into the new pump one at a time as I remove them.
Then when the old pump is off, I transfer them to it from the new one.
Put the new pump in place and once again transfer from old to new.