Belt Tensioners. Why change?

[bpeesy]

I'm in the process of replacing the water pump on my w124 87 300e. The guy that sold me the water pump stated that i might want to change to belt tensioner also but couldn't explain why. The belt ddnt squeal or anything. does anyone know why these would need to be replaced if there are no known problems? please advise. Thanks

 

[Aletank]

I had some work on my car last week, The Mechanic commented on my Belt tensioner, Said it could do with replacing soon, said it was abit loose, not as much tension as it should have. said the engine is a little noiser than it should be.
He put his socket/ratchet on it and wobbled it.
He said if it goes really bad, there's a chance of the Poly V Belt snapping.
I asked him how much, he said he'll have to price one up, But he thinks the're about £120, I'm goin to leave mine for now, See if MB mention anything on the next service.

 

[mike65]

I replaced mine cos I broke it! The belt was chirping away driving me nuts so I blamed the tensioner - wrongly and expensivly. It turned out the waterpump pulley had been altered by a previous owner or mechanic
to allow a slightly different waterpump fit it. Grrrrrrrr. Two small pieces of flat metal had been welded inside the pulley face. Once I got a new (old) pulley all was quiet.

Mike.

 

[Aletank]

What did your new(old) pulley cost ?
Was it easy to fit ?

 

[mike65]

I drive a 190e but I imagine its pretty much the same for your car.

The pulley was located second hand and cost 15 quid + postage from UK to Ireland. I did'nt fit it myself but it looks straightfoward, remove the fan shroud, remove the fan blades, slacken the tensioner remove the belt, there are 4 bolts holding the pulley in place remove them and pull pulley off the waterpump shaft/impeller. Reverse to refit.

While my 190 tensioner cost about 250 euro from stealership (God I get angry just thinking about it!) :evil:


Mike.