Do you feel like your Mercedes has become less comfortable to be in with engine sounds that are louder than before? It could be due to a failed plastic guiderail. Most Mercedes drivers may not consider plastic guiderails as something that needs attention frequently, but it actually should be checked regularly, because it is an essential component of your engine. When they fail, it could result in severe engine problems and expensive repairs. Let’s find out what plastic guiderails do, why they may fail in your Mercedes, and how you can avoid such failures.
What Are Plastic Guiderails?
The timing chain system of your Mercedes contains several small parts that are needed for its smooth operation and one of them is the plastic guiderails. The primary function of these guiderails is to maintain the position of the timing chain and ensure that it runs in the right path. If the guiderails are damaged, the timing chain will not be able to drive the engine’s camshaft and crankshaft. This might lead to a lack of synchronization in the engine and other performance issues.
Common Causes of Plastic Guiderail Failure
- Poor Maintenance: Maintenance is very important if you want your Mercedes to keep on running smoothly and if ignored, you are likely to experience some issues like the plastic guiderail failure. The use of dirty or low-quality oil can lead to the formation of sludge which tends to block the oil passage and reduce the amount of oil that gets to the guiderails leading to more wear and tear.
- Aging and Wear: Another cause of plastic guiderail failures is wear and tear due to the passage of time. The plastic material used in the guiderails can become fragile and less resistant over time owing to the extreme conditions within an engine compartment. As the guiderails wear out, they may develop cracks or even break and this could lead to a situation where the timing chain is loose or not properly aligned.
- Heat Exposure: Heat is another factor that may lead to the failure of plastic guiderails, since this material has a tendency to swell when exposed to excessive heat. The area where the guiderail is located in the engine is a hot area, and when the engine is on for a long time, the temperatures are very high. This heat can eventually cause the plastic guide to melt or bend, becoming less efficient in securing the timing chain.
- Improper Installation: Incorrect fitting of the timing chain or the guiderails can cause early failure. If the timing chain is too tight or too loose, there will be more stress on the plastic guiderails and they will wear out quickly. It is recommended to hire a mechanic who has prior experience in working with Mercedes Benz to ensure that everything is installed properly.
Preventing Failure of the Plastic Guiderail
- Regular Oil Changes: One of the best things you can do to avoid guiderail failures is to make sure that you change your engine oil from time to time. Fresh, high-quality oil coats the timing chain, as well as the guiderails, and decreases the amount of wear. When it comes to the oil for your Mercedes, ensure that you are using the right grade and change the oil as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Use Quality Parts: Whenever you are in a position to replace parts in your Mercedes, ensure that you get the best quality parts in the market. This includes the plastic guiderails and timing chain. Do not use cheap parts since they may lead to premature failure and may result in frequent costly repairs.
- Regular Inspections: Make sure you take your Mercedes to a professional mechanic for servicing at least once in a while. They can inspect the state of the timing chain and guiderails and suggest whether it should be repaired or replaced. It is also good to have regular inspections done so that any problems that may be arising can be detected before they get worse.
Bring Your Mercedes To Our Experts For Affordable Repairs
If you want to keep your Mercedes running quietly and smoothly, you should bring it to us at Master Mechanics Auto Repair for routine checks and repairs. As a company that works on European, Domestic, and Asian brands, we are capable of identifying and solving any problems that your engine may be experiencing. We are well-located to serve Mercedes drivers from all over Portage, Battle Creek, and Kalamazoo, MI. Don’t take chances – give us a call today to book an appointment and ensure your Mercedes is in the best condition.
* Black Mercedes-Benz Car image credit goes to: franz12.