[MBZ] Serpentine Belt Tensioner Components

[mykd1@netscape.net]

Here's a quick rule of thumb when replacing the serpentine belt. Check the operation of all the drive components, idler, tensioner and so on. If any of these have excessive play or are noisy, replace it. They don't always last the life of the car so its a good bet to replace them if you car has high mileage. 
my 2 cents 
 
69 280 SEL 120,000 Miles
72 350SL   108,000 Miles
2004 VW Passat 4 Motion
1999 Mazda Miata   
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Marshall Booth <mbooth+ at pitt.edu>
To: Mercedes Discussion List <Mercedes at striplin.net>
Sent: Thu, 01 Jun 2006 14:04:12 -0400
Subject: Re: [MBZ] Serpentine Belt Tensioner Components


M.Afzaal Khan wrote:
> Hi!   At what mileage did you have to change this.? just like to know what 
> is the life of a belt tensioner and other  idler pulley's associated with it 

The original tensioner arms and idlers used on '84-'85 OM60x engines 
seldom lasted more than 50-75kmi. The later ones seemed good for 
75-150kmi. By the '90s they may still be better (the aftermarket ones 
MAY not be - I haven't had any of them in long enough to know). Factory 
shocks seem to last 75+kmi while aftermarket ones seem more likely to 
fail by 50kmi. The belts on my cars seem to go for 75kmi as long as the 
arm and idler are in good working order (a bad arm, idler, shock or any 
belt driven accessory will cause a belt to fail prematurely).

YMMV as climatic and environmental factors DO play a role in life of 
these parts.

Marshall
-- 
      Marshall Booth (who doesn't respond to unsigned questions)
       "der Dieseling Doktor" mbooth at pitt.edu
'87 300TD 182Kmi, '85 190D 2.0 161Kmi, '87 190D 2.5 turbo 237kmi, '84 
190D 2.2 229Kmi (retired)

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