601 tensioner frame bent?

[WANT '71 280SEL]

When I'm looking at my brother's tensioner, I can see it clearly out of allignment. I've heard someone mention that this is a common problem on these cars, but is it easy to replace? What is the procedure for it? Looking at the two shocks mounted, I'm somewhat reluctant to just tear into it not knowing what is what.
Thanks
David

[md21722]

Its easy to replace. I start by removing the fan but some have even reported doing it without removing the fan on some models. Disconnect the shock, pull the belt loose, unhook the spring. Inspect and replace the idler pulley if the bearing is shot. Then remove the tensioner secured by the 12 mm allen head. Use blue loctite on the replacement tensioner threads. Assemble in reverse.

Regards,

[WANT '71 280SEL]

So the shock it what keeps the tensioner tensioning? Do I have to do anything to remove the shocks other than just untoling them? And I guess I just compress the shock to re-install? What spring are you making refernece to?
Thanks
David

[md21722]

The belt shock attaches to the left side of the tensioner & the spring to the right. The spring is what keeps the tension, the shock dampens movement. The key is the black plastic piece on the top that has a bolt thru the cylinder head. Remove the nut, then use an extension or end of the lug bolt tool in the black plastic part to free tension off the bolt you just took the nut off. Then everything comes apart easy.