190e belt tensioner

[markjf]

Hi,

The adjuster for my belt tensioner seems to have detached itself from the main body of the pulley. I can now pull this up and down freely and when the engine it running it rattles!

Does anyone know if this can be re attached or has it broken? Is it a big job to replace - it looks to be a little burried?

Thanks

Mark

 

[sankey]

make sure the spring is ok

 

[Stevie A]

I'm not sure which part of the tensioner you are meaning.

If the belt is tight then the main tensioner with the big 17mm ish nut will be ok. You can replace the adjuster bolt by slipping it into the back of the tensioner barrel. Straight forward job to replace with a Haynes manual but hold the tensioner barrel assembly during process so as not to lose any other parts. Undo the main tensioner 17mm bolt and this can be slipped forward slightly to let the lever and adjuster bolt to be taken off the back of the tensioner barrel spindle.
The adjuster bolt creates tension by pressing down on a little lever type thing that is attached onto the main tensioner barrel spindle at the back and the adjuster bolt and lever can be bought seperately from the main tensioner barrel. The bolt and lever and bolt sleeve come as one part. The bolt on my 190E had been snapped by some previous incompetant mechanic so I had to replace this.

 

[markjf]

I'm not sure if I made myself completely clear - sorry for any confusion!

What I meant was... to the left of the power steering pump there is an adjuster of sorts which is a long threaded rod with a hex on top for a spanner to adjust. At the bottom end is a hook with some kind of metal clip. I thought this was the adjuster (seperate to the locking nut which I presumed was the 17mm ish nut)

What makes me think that there is a problem is the fact that it lifts up and down and not connected to anything therefore not allowing for adjustment with the locking nut cracked off.

Maybe it isn't for the tensioner pulley and I have confused myself... and you????

Thanks,

Mark

 

[Ian B Walker]

No you are right it is the belt tensioner. These bolts can come undone from the housing. The common fault is that the Ali housing cracks and the long bolt comes free. To determine if this is has happened to yours, I am afraid that you will have to remove it. Hopefully it has just popped out and if so read above.

 

[Stevie A]

Mark - it is the part I thought. As Ian says follow what I've mentioned above. The 17mm ish bolt holds the tension and the long adjuster bolt is used to adjust the tension up before tightening the large 17mm nut. Get a haynes manual for exact instruction.

When I got my 190E the belt was tight but the adjuster bolt was missing and it was like a cluedo puzzle after replacing the water pump when I went to refit the belt.

 

[markjf]

Thanks guys - really helpful I'll have a look as soon as I can. At least I now have a clearer way forward!

Thanks

Mark