w 210 diesel belt tensioner

[mitcheeew]

Just got word rom dealer after replacing belt tensioner SHOCK, the rattle is still there, & now need to replace belt TENSIONER. No problem, but was told there are several additional parts required with space & access just as tight as in replacing the shock. ( The lower bolt on tensioner shock required pulling fan pulley off to fully allow lower bolt coming out) I have a good dealer who will install parts I purchase,but am also slightly disappointed in their original diagnosis being the shock & not the tensioner. Of course I can't ask them to remove the shock I bought, but was curious on both the steps involved & ease of replacement as a DIY'er. I wonder if they're making up their lost "parts" margin by mis diagnosing.


P.S. In the process of looseningthe fan pulley their rookie tech snapped a bolt & they had to eat the additional hours due to his inexperience. Anyway it'll be an another $230.00 to install the tensioner once I get it.

[TMAllison]

The spring tensioner should not take you more than 5 minutes to replace. Requires removal of one bolt (loosen bolt, use large dia screw driver or socket extension to take up the tension, pull the bolt and release the tension).

I was able to loosen the bolt on the tensioner shock far enough to get the old shock out and new one in without removing anything. Is tight, but can be done.