P/S belt replacement help -- HURRY!!!
 

Guys, I promise I have used the "Search" function, and scrolled through every DIY thread I can find. I still need urgent help replacing the belts on my power steering pump. The vehicle is a 1990 420SEL -- 126 chassis. Yesterday, on my way home, I lost my power steering. Luckily, I was about 50 yds. from my drive when it happened. So far, this morning, I have the fan and shroud removed, and all the belts that are in front of the pump and pulleys are off. I cannot figure out how to loosen the pump so that I can install the new belts. Until I get this job finished, I am basically stranded as I have the driver's seat out of my 300SD in the midst of a rebuild. I need to get this issue handled by noonish at the latest. Thanks for any help any of you can provide.

Can anyone here please tell me how to loosen the power steering pump? Please? I'm getting desperate, and all my knuckles are skint. I'm beggin' ya.

Not sure on gassers but on diesels there is a spring and shock that puts tension on the belt. Release of spring (pry method) relieves tension.

I am not sure of that application either...but i usually loosen up the alternator to give me enough play to get the belt on..

that's on a 103, however..

I have the same question for my 380SE, which I believe uses the same engine (M116?) with smaller displacement. There are 2 belts which drive both the p/s pump and the h2o pump. I can't for the life of me figure out how the pump can swivel to adjust the tension. Anyone?

there is a couple of bolts I think on the right bottom of the ps pump that allow the ps pump to move. I think, as I can't remember that well.

If it's a Sperry-Vickers pump, there's an 6mm allen screw, just to the right of the 2 fluid lines, facing up. Loosen the 2 bolts holding the pump to the bracket, which you probably already have. Turn the socket head screw and you should see the pump move up/down to adjust the belt. I recently removed one from my 560SL, 117 engine, but lots of interchangeable stuff and common adjustments on our Benzes....

I finally got the job done. The holdup on the P/S pump cost me about three hours of head scratching and cat kicking. In the end, I'm not sure what I did to finally get some slack, but I do know the retightening went much smoother. All in all, the peace of mind of having all new belts and hoses is worth all the frustration, lacerations, and contusions. Thanks for all the comments and support, especially to Chuck Taylor.