On my 2.3, it's easier to replace the shock when the belt tensioner is removed. If your mechanic is going to replace the belt tensioner, then I would have him do the shock at that time. As far as time, does he go by the book or does he charge you actual time? It all depends on this and his experience.

Maybe Lee can help on the labor time.

Did you determine that your tensioner is shot? If you bought a new one for $90, then just replace it for peace of mind, especially if you don't know the age of the old one.

Dave

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1993 190E 2.3
2001 SLK230
1971 LS5 (454) Corvette Convertible

first time change may take two hours... second time an hour and a half....

mechanic... probably an hour... this is with the 6 cylinder...

the problem is that three other pulleys have to come off to access the tensioner...

it was item 5...

i would try to tighten it first, too... but it's possible that your mechanic tightened it, locked it down...and it just didn't hold..

with our 300e... we thought he had it right... but after starting the car up and driving it...the tenisoner loosened on its own... so it was shot...

__________________
1989 300ce 129k
( facelifted front,updated tail lights, lowered suspension,bilstein sports, lorinser front spoiler, MOMO steering wheel, remus exhaust,stainless steel brake lines). (Gone)

1997 s320 154k (what a ride). Sold with 179k miles. Replaced with Hyundai Equus

1994 e320 Cabriolet 108k



1972 280se 4.5 153k Owned for 12 yrs, sorry I sold it


[/SIGPIC]

yep your right Dave...I think i should change the belt tensioner anyway. As far as i know its never been changed!
so for an experienced mech working on a 4 cylinder should take 30 mins tops?
i think it just did not hold...
Lee - kind of experiencing the same thing...he tightened it, noise went away...but was back soon after. It sounds like a diesel!

The vibrating shock mount will result in a "diesel like sound".
If your car is a 6 cyl., then Lee is right....2 hrs. or so.

The 4 cyl. is very easy due to less parts removed to get access to the tensioner. The only part I have to take off to replace my tensioner is the fan, and that is 1 bolt. So, 2 minutes to remove fan, remove tensioner adjusting nut, remove belt, remove shock bolt at alternator end, remove lock down bolt and out comes the tensioner assembly.

*Note* Observe the position of the adjusting rod and bracket on the back of the old tensioner when assembling new tensioner.

Remove belt pulley from new tensioner to install new shock, re-install belt pulley, then re-install belt tensioner, screw on adjusting nut, attach shock at alternator end, put on belt, re-install fan, snug up tensioner enough to keep belt in place and get it ready to tighten, put plastic tab arrow to the left marker, then proceed with tightening the belt.

You can see in the below photo that the shock mounting hole (top right) is behind the pulley, so you have to remove the pulley for access.

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1993 190E 2.3
2001 SLK230
1971 LS5 (454) Corvette Convertible

Thanks Dave for taking the time to write such an informative reply!
Wished i lived In Florida so you could do it for me! :-)

Hi guys, i have some news...
My mechanic changed the little shock absorber today and that solved the problem completely! took 2 mins!
Thanks everyone especially Dave and Lee...
I cant believe such a little thing would cause such an awful noise!!!

Sounds like great news Zak. Glad we could help.

Dave

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1993 190E 2.3
2001 SLK230
1971 LS5 (454) Corvette Convertible

Thanks again Dave :-)