Squeeky V-Belt

[Dexter]

Recent coolant leak splashed on to the V belt pulleys of my 94' w124 e280 Estate and the sticky residue is making an awful noise. WD40 eliviates for a journey or two but when I start up after standing the din commences again. Didn't want to use a lubricant for obvious reasons and wire brushing without dismantling is hazardous I am running out of ideas and am not prepared to suffer the annoyance in the hope that it wears off.

Has anyone experienced anything similar or know how it can be cleaned off.

Grateful.

 

[Sprint'n'Go]

I haven't experienced this personaly but it is supposed to be a common problem with the TD5 Defenders and in their case the only solution is to replace the belt and be careful not to do it again

 

[Blobcat]

You could try and clean it off with plenty of water and then apply some belt slip. I am not keen on WD40 on rubber so replacing the belt and cleaning the pulleys is the best option.
You can get Belt Slip from Wurth - it does exactly the opposite to it's name :???:

 

[clive williams]

Recent coolant leak splashed on to the V belt pulleys of my 94' w124 e280 Estate and the sticky residue is making an awful noise. WD40 eliviates for a journey or two but when I start up after standing the din commences again. Didn't want to use a lubricant for obvious reasons and wire brushing without dismantling is hazardous I am running out of ideas and am not prepared to suffer the annoyance in the hope that it wears off.

Has anyone experienced anything similar or know how it can be cleaned off.

Grateful.

Hi, Dexter,

I would use either brake cleaner or white spirit to clean the belt and pulley but only with the engine stationary - 'cos if you don't the blood will make it squeal all over again.

Clive

500E
E320CDiT210

 

[oigle]

The common remedy here for squealing belts is to use soap on the belt. Helps clean off the oily stuff and stops the squeal. If possible, hold a cake of hard soap against the belt drive surface whilst it is moving - watch the fingers. If you have a thermatic fan, it can be held still when starting the engine. Make sure the engine isn't hot. Doesn't damage the belt material or cause slip.

 

[tom7035]

Drench it with talcum powder.

 

[Uncle Benz]

By the time you have tried all these suggestions of various fluids, your engine bay will be a right mess and the belt will probably have gone rock hard. I would just fit a new belt - they aren't that expensive !! A good motor factor will be able to supply a goodyear or similar quality replacement.

 

[PINBALL]

My E280 estate had same prob when bought 18 month's ago (factors crappy belt fitted that was going hard-ish) & local indy got his special small soft wire brush (suede shoes brush) & held it against inside ribs of belt for 5 seconds or so whilst on tickover.
Said it would last for about 500-1,000 mls or so n get gradually worse.
As he reccomended & fitted for me, had proper Merc belt fitted 7k mls ago n never had same prob since.

Don't be a Plonker with factors crap, get the proper & be suprised at how low the price can be comparingly.
Get 10% disc with merc benz owners club card at the stealers parts dep't - very nice guys in there & always willing to talk about any other probs you may have, & if you treat them nicely they'll do a free printout of your cars original order spec sheet with all the factory extras that were fitted!

What BONEHEAD told you to put WD40 on it!!!
Gotta be the worse thing you could have done - perhaps thier jealous of you owning a quality car.
Its a wonder belt didn't slip causing more problems to the water cooling pump etc with the belt slipping - AND in this hot weather too.

Hope it helps

 

[Uncle Benz]

Didn't want to upset anyone by suggesting non genuine parts - just thought an older car may not warrant genuine belt. Have no idea how much a belt for one of these is, but just this week Audi dealer shocked me by wanting £83 for a multi rib belt for 2000MY A6 2.5 TDi. Okay, it was quite a long belt, but Goodyear belt (reasonable quality and much better than some factor parts) was £18. You could get through a few of those before reaching the outlay for genuine item. Obviously genuine parts are the best. In my opinion you are quite correct to point that out.

 

[PINBALL]

Sorry Uncle,
Was in no way implying you as stated above, and I'm sure your gorrect with Good Year being a good make & all...

What a rip-off Audi must be at £83 ...

But I do feel more secure knowing that all parts are proper approved & likelyhood of snapping will be minimal.
Plus if gets towed at all in future, it will be to a main dealer if far away from home who will not be able to fault the 'original' part fitted.
And hopefully replace at discount the original part that failed, which to date, has never happened.