I did a search about serpentine belts and did get some questions answered but not enough. I'll be direct - How do you take off the serpintine belt of a '95 C280 w/ 104 engine? Please be specific and assume I know nothing - because I don't. Thanks, Bob H

This car should have the spring-loaded tensioner.

You are going to need a 15mm socket and ratchet.

1. Remove the fan shroud by pulling out the safety clip on top next to the "OPEN" "CLOSE" marks and rotate it in the "OPEN" direction. Remove to metal clips that hold shroud to the radiator. Pull out the part that was attached to radiator. Then pull out circular part of shroud.

2. Locate the tensioner (under the water pump). It is a small pulley with a 15mm nut in the center. Put the ratchet on it as if you were going to tighten the nut (clockwise). Turn it clockwise until it is loose enough to remove belt. It is easier to remove somewhere on top water pump or steering pump. Same goes for installation, put the belt on all of the pulleys except for the water and steering pump. Put resistance on tensioner and place belt on the two pumps.

When putting the shroud make sure it hooks up on every clip (circular part). You might want to remove bottom panel of engine to make sure that the two shroud pieces are hooked up correctly.

Vinamg

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately there is no nut in the center of the tentioner pully. I see three things that I think are related. 1) a 13mm long nut that sticks out about three inches and is located near the water pump. 2) a 13mm nut that's located between a couple of pullys and 3) a large allen nut in approximately the same location. I' ve loosened both the top nut and the one by the pullys but it's had no effect on the tention of the belt. I've attempted to loosen the allen nut (I think it's 10mm) but it won't loosen easially and I'm afraid of stripping it if I ream on it. It already feels soft. That's where I am so far. I hope this will ring some bells for you because this is just phase 1 for me in my quest to change out the water pump.

Your car has the old tensioner. The new ones started in 95, but you need the VIN to know exactly which tensioner was fitted in the car. My 95 C280 has the new tensioner.

This is what you do. You need to loosen the big allen bolt (8mm). If you can't keep the allen wrench straight I recommend purchasing an 8mm socket type allen. Once you break it loose you only need to turn it about one complete revolution. Second step is to loosen the tension by turning that long 13mm nut at the top (counterclockwise). Pay attention to the white arrow on top of the allen bolt. It should be moving as you loosen the tension. That white mark is very crucial when putting back the belt. You don't want to over tighten it. Make sure the mark is about 3/4 of the way when tightening. The old tensioners are prone to problems.

Vinamg