Thank you for this great tutorial.
I just recently did this job and it was pretty smooth and simple.
I called Lone Star Mercedes here in Calgary and they gave me the torque value of 18.5lbs on the idle pulleys.
Only problem was getting my forearm in far enough to push the wrench all the way down to compress the tensioner.
Thanks for that!! Just did an inspection & my belt has cracks. Getting ready to drive it up to VA in a few weeks. So, probably a good idea to change the belt. Do the Tensioner & Idler pulleys really need to be changed, or, will just the belt suffice? (I can always change the pulleys, later)
While the belt is off check water pump and pulleys / idlers for slight play and noises etc
And change if the bearing's are a little noisy .
Plus check plastic pulleys for hairline cracks starting .....
You will need a led light for close inspection etc .
If you can get the ratchet and 17mm socket onto the adjustment nut but can't move the ratchet because of the small space between fan and engine, I suggest finding some tubing that will fit onto the end of the ratchet. If the tubing is long enough, it will extend upward past the cramped space and you can get a good hold of it to release tension on the belt.
If by chance you arms are too big to even get the ratchet onto the tensioner, then you could jack the car up and take off the underside engine cover to access the goodies.
I just completed this job today using a kit: tensioner assembly, belt, and idler pulley. I had problems getting the tensioner assembly out after unbolting it. The needed clearance was obtained by removing the upper radiator hose at the thermostat housing and folding it out of the way. Removal was still a very tight squeeze. Seanhump provided PM guidance and moral support
I replaced the serpentine belt, last year (see post, below), at 80,341 mi. No real problems, except I had to put towels in certain areas to not destroy my arms too much (on various parts' edges). I then had a wondrous drive up to Virginia, through various "mountainous" regions - including four laps at VIR (!!).
Then, back home, after putting 2852 mi on the car, the idler pulley broke. From the time it happened (in traffic, near home), I was back home, $200 lighter, in just under 2 hours.
Yesterday, the water pump followed suit. I'm wondering what else is gonna go wrong in that (serpentine belt) system... :|
I had my belt and a noisy idler pulley changed last year at abt 88k. Now you've made me nervous abt my water pump. I wonder what the average life expectancy is? I really must include breakdown on my next insurance renewal...:frown:
Yes I have that procedure but it doesn't address the issue of clearance on the SLK 55 AMG there's no way I can get my arms in there, I need a procedure for hopefully removing the fan and shroud without having to remove the radiator to gain access.
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