Heavy'ish steering

[DrMike]

Hello folkes.
I have a E220CDI Classic (y reg 2001 old style).

Power steering is slightly Heavy. There is an intermittent noise from the drive belt.
The drive belt is tensioned but not as well tensioned as my wifes 220 drive belt.
Question......Should I replace the drive belt or can it be manually tensioned or is it an automatic hydraulic tensioner.
If I did replace the drive belt would this in principle lighten the power steering to "normal levels"
Steering fluid is fine.Ball joints are newish.

Any advice gratefully appreciated

Thanks
Mike

 

[television]

Hello mike and welcome to the forum, one problem with belts that have been slipping is that they get glazed increasing the slip

This is the arrangement.

http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...GA=722.614&CT=M&cat=19U&SID=20&SGR=045&SGN=03