As I was heading to the Miami Airport to catch a plane for a visit to Paris last week, the engine belt which drives the A/C, alternator, etc. broke on my 1994 C220. (more like it turned into spagetti!!) I was left with no choice but to have it towed back home and grab the C280. By the way, Paris is loaded with late model Mercedes, many of them are being used as Taxi Cabs. (C & E class) My question is what is the proper way to put a new belt on, and does anyone have any tips for me. I will be getting the belt on Monday from the dealer, and would prefer to do the repair myself, instead of having the car towed again. Many thanks in advance!

MichaelinFL

If the belt shredded, I would suspect something locked up. I have seen many water pumps loose bearings on these...Be sure to check it out.

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Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
1991 GMC Syclone
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

It turned out that the A/C compressor is locking up. I guess 108,000 miles from the original compressor is pretty good. I had no problem getting the new belt on, it was actually quite easy. Thanks for your help!

Michael,

I guess 108,000 miles on an A/C compressor in my Miami is pretty good. The compressor was probably engaged for about 107,000 of those miles.

BTW I didn't see you while you were in Paris. Paris is such a small town I would have thought that I would have bumped into you somewhere. I'm assuming you were coming to Paris, Texas, but maybe it was some other city named Paris, like maybe Paris, Arkansas?<g>. Hope you had a pleasant trip.

Larry