Do you sometimes wonder why the timing chain of your Mercedes suddenly becomes loose when driving on a highway? The most probable cause may well be faulty plastic guiderails. When the plastic parts that keep the timing chain in place get worn out the effectiveness of the chain and the overall driving experience are normally affected. Read on to learn how plastic guiderail failure will impact the behavior of your Mercedes.
Possible Reasons for Plastic Guiderail Failure
Plastic guiderails can deteriorate, especially on old models of Mercedes. Heat from the engine, constant tension from the timing chain, and wear and tear of the part eventually weaken the plastic making it brittle enough to crack. Also, issues like negligence in changing your car’s engine oil will help hasten the time it takes for the timing chain to fail because engine oil ensures the timing chain stays both oiled and cool. Once the guiderail fails, it leads to engine issues that may compromise the performance and drivability of your Mercedes.
How To Know If Your Plastic Guiderail Is Damaged
- Rattling Noise from the Engine: The first and maybe the most obvious symptom of guiderail failure is a sound often heard at start-up or when the engine is running. This takes place because the timing chain is no longer fixed in its position by the guiderail.
- Engine Misalignment: In the worst scenarios, a highly damaged plastic guiderail will lead to slippage or jumping of teeth on either the camshaft or crankshaft. Such a misalignment results in major engine complications or even failure of the engine.
How Failure of the Plastic Guiderail Impacts Drivability
- Reduced Engine Power: The first or the most noticeable impact of a plastic guiderail that fails is the lowering of the engine power. Whenever the timing chain is worn or out of place, the engine’s valves do not open and close at the appropriate time. This results in inadequate combustion and a considerable reduction in power output. You may also observe that your Mercedes is slow to respond or move, especially at high speeds. If you are accustomed to the powerful and efficient running of your Mercedes a failed guiderail can make the driving experience unpleasant.
- Increased Fuel Consumption: If the timing of the engine is not in order, then it does not run as smoothly as it is supposed to. This results in high fuel consumption, and therefore more frequent refueling as compared to when the system is efficient. A failing plastic guiderail will have you paying more at the pump because your Mercedes will be consuming more fuel than usual in an effort to keep up with power requirements.
- Risk of Engine Damage: If a plastic guiderail is completely worn out, the timing chain may slip or even break. This can cause the engine’s valves and pistons to hit each other, which will result in a lot of complications for the engine. Besides, it poses a danger to your engine and also your safety if the engine decides to fail while you are on the road. This problem must be resolved as soon as you notice the guiderail is failing because it will cost much more to repair later on.
- Unreliable Performance: If you drive a Mercedes with a broken plastic guiderail, the performance of your vehicle will be unpredictable. For a few minutes, the car may work as usual while the next minute it will have problems such as poor acceleration or unstable speed. Such contrast can make driving a nightmare, especially on long journeys or in busy traffic.
What To Do When You Notice That the Guiderail Has Failed
If you observe any of the symptoms 
that we have mentioned above, you should seek help immediately. Take your Mercedes to a professional mechanic for a check-up. They can identify the problem and repair the plastic guiderail before it causes severe harm.
At Euromotive Performance, we have highly skilled specialists who can address issues affecting your Mercedes. Our experts have been fixing guiderail issues for car owners in and around Hallandale Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Pompano Beach, FL. We’ll make sure that your timing chain system is in its best condition so as to provide you with a safe and smooth ride. Don’t wait for your Mercedes to develop problems – call us now to set up an appointment for an inspection.
* Mercedez-Benz GLC Car image credit goes to: Julie Deshaies.
