Squeeky auxillary drive belt tensioner !!

[CLKjohn78]

Hi everyone.
Can any one offer any advece . I have a minor problem on a 1998 CLK 200. 37,000 miles. Just recently I noticed a bit of a squeek coming from the auxillary / serpentine belt. It was altered by turning air con on and off. Changed the belt and it made no difference. Stuck a stethascope on the tensioner pulley and the noise was identified as coming from that area. The pulley wheel itself is as free as a bird and does not rumble, but the tensioner squeeks when you move it to release the belt. On closer examination you can see the tensioner moving slightly when you move the steering wheel or turn the air con off. the noise seems to be on the pivot point of the tensioner itself. Can I lubricate it or spray it with something to stop the noise or is the only answer to renew the tensioner. If so how much are they. ??
Thanks John.

 

[television]

Why not lubricate it John, a few drops of engine oil should do it

 

[Alex Crow]

not an uncommon problem, you are most likely correct in your diagnosis.

if you changed the belt yourself you may have noticed a notchy action to the tensioner arm, they should be friction free with just the considerable spring tension to overcome when moving. carefully placed oil may help but i am not so sure you can get it where it is needed and replacements can be very pricey on some models.

 

[mtdking]

Just a word of warning I had a similar squeek\chiripy noise and lubricated different pulleys only for the noisy to have been my alternator tension pully which broke off the next day causing £600 of damage and on going problems.

 

[television]

Just a word of warning I had a similar squeek\chiripy noise and lubricated different pulleys only for the noisy to have been my alternator tension pully which broke off the next day causing £600 of damage and on going problems.

I would hope that the pulley on the CLK was a standard type

 

[CLKjohn78]

Thank you all very much for your suggestions. I have tried putting some WD40 and oil on it and it does quieten down for a few seconds so its obviously not getting into the pivot point. I will bite the bullet and get a new one as soon as possible. Thank you all again, regards John

 

[television]

WD40 is not a lubricant,,if you would like the changing it papers please ask