Hey all
I'm replacing the belt tensioner, I think the bearing has had it. The pulley appears to be fine but I'm also questioning the shock damper. I think all of these items are original to the car.

The question I have is how to really tell if your tensioner shock damper is going and whether or not these are gas charged or just fluid damping shocks? If it doesn't need replacement I won't bother but there's a tendency for it to chatter somewhat at startup although when the tensioner is relaxed it seems very solid and moves stiffly.

Comments appreciated.

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Steve A
92 W140 OM603
97 VW Jetta TDI
90 Passat variant TDI 6 speed MT
94 Chevy K1500 6.5TD
05 E320 CDI
+ others