W210 320 CDI fan belt snapped

andyains

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2001 W210 E320 CDI
On my way home tonight my 2001 E320 cdi estate started to overheat, lost power and the steering became very heavy. The battery/Alternator indicator also came on. Pulled over straight away (in the rain on the M56!) and Mr RAC diagnosed a snapped fan belt and I was towed home.

I'm assuming this is a fairly straightforward thing to fix. I have a good indie nearby. Also assuming that that the other symptoms are as a result of the fan belt snapping. However, I would appreciate any advice or other issues to consider.

Mr RAC seemed to think everything else looked ok on his fairly cursory inspection (even used my favourite MB-related phrase 'bombproof' when talking about the engine!). It's an otherwise reliable motor and it all looks pretty clean under the bonnet. But I have an untrained eye so I'd appreciate any additional comments from the much more experienced and knowledgable members of the forum.
 
R

Ringway

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Changing the poly-belt isn't difficult and shouldn't cost more than £100 including parts and labour.
 

television

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Do check the condition of the idler and alternator pulley, the alternator pulley has a clutch, these fail shredding the belt.
 

Bolide

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Do check the condition of the idler and alternator pulley, the alternator pulley has a clutch, these fail shredding the belt.

Yes - you have to ask why the belt snapped. I'd suspect there is a problem somewhere

Nick Froome
 

brandwooddixon

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When the V-belt went on my old E430 I found it to have been caused by the idler pulley failing - I found it lying on the engine under tray!
 

television

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When the V-belt went on my old E430 I found it to have been caused by the idler pulley failing - I found it lying on the engine under tray!

Very hard to put a new one on without that ;):D
 
R

Ringway

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When the V-belt went on my old E430 I found it to have been caused by the idler pulley failing - I found it lying on the engine under tray!

The idler pulley was the cause of the belt shredding on my LWB Sprinter.
The 10 miles drive home without power steering was great fun, especially at mini-roundabouts which took 3-4 attempts to turn right at.

I had a high-pitched whine from the engine that followed the rev pattern and it was cured when I fitted the new pulley.
The noise had been there for well over a year and I just couldn't fathom where it was coming from. :confused: :rolleyes:
 
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andyains

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Thanks for all the advice. Looks like an old belt but going in tomorrow morning to a local independent. £60 to replace the belt. I'll have him check the integrity of the alternator pulley too
 

Frontstep

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He needs to check everthing the belt runs on.:lol::lol:
 

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