Questions and Answers About Plastic Guide Rail Failure in Mercedes

Questions and Answers about Plastic Guide Rail Failure in Mercedes

Each year, new models of vehicles come out with the hopes of being better and more advanced than their predecessors.

While new models might seem shinier and more impressive on the outside, many of the inner components of the engine are often the same.

Often this involves utilizing different materials for the various engine parts. Mercedes cars are no exception to this concept.

One of the components that Mercedes has altered in their recent models is the guide rail, and most people don't know much about it.

It’s most important to note that Mercedes uses a plastic material for their guide rails, which is prone to failure.

You probably have some questions, so here are answers to the big ones.

What does your Mercedes' guide rail do?

Also known as a timing chain guide rail, this part is critical in keeping the engine’s timing chain contained in a specific, cyclical motion.

The guide rail is responsible for keeping the timing chain “guided� in line and in the correct motion.

Guide rails made of plastic materials is used to improve the performance of the timing chain’s function and lower manufacturing costs.

For this material, it doesn’t stand up very well to the intense conditions within a hot, sometimes volatile engine environment.

What can cause the guide rail to malfunction?

The hot temperatures that your engine reaches in your Mercedes pose a challenge for materials that are made of plastic.

Your timing chain guide rail is critical for engine functioning, and when it begins to fail it can cause serious engine damage, even total failure.

The timing chain moves at high speeds, & when the plastic guide rail fails, it leaves the timing chain prone to coming of the rail & cause damage to other parts.

What are some of the common symptoms of failure?

If the guide rail is beginning to come apart, you might notice concerning rattling noises coming from your engine.

Furthermore, the debris from pieces breaking off of the guide rail can make their way into your Mercedes’ oil pan.

If you’re familiar with how to remove and replace the oil pan, you can take a look yourself to see if it is filled with chunks of guide rail plastic.

Why is it important to enlist the help of a professional?

Enlisting the help of a specially trained Mercedes automotive technician is an important step in getting your car the right care.

Automotive specialists who are most familiar with the Mercedes brand will be able to detect guide rail issues best as it is a well known problem.

Furthermore, a professional automotive shop will have the right tools and expertise to properly diagnose and repair the problem in a timely manner.

How we can help?

The master technicians here at Santa Barbara Autowerks, located in Santa Barbara, CA, are German-engineering specialists, which includes Mercedes brand cars.

We know the importance of timing chain guide rail, and when this part begins to deteriorate it can compromise the vehicle’s performance.

If you experience symptoms of guide rail failure or would like to have an inspection performed on your Mercedes, please contact us to schedule an appointment.

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