Replacing all the belts on 420
 

Hi, I just checked the belts on my 89 420 and noticed lots of cracks on the underside of several V-belts. I checked the history records and all were changed by the dealer 50K miles ago at the same servicing. Now I'm retired, and have more time than money, I need, and want to do the work myself.

Any horror stories on replacing all the V-belts at once?

Thanks

Belts
 

I have a 91 420 SEL. I replaced all my belts. I did have to retighten the AC belts after a few miles. But then, maybe they were not installed tight enough in the first go round.

Belts
 

I have a 91 420 SEL. I replaced all my belts. I did have to retighten the AC belts after a few miles. But then, maybe they were not installed tight enough in the first go round.

Belts
 

I have an 1989 420SEL. I recommend leaving the alternator belt a little looser than the other belts. The alternator bearings are sensitive to the belt tension.

Also I recommend placing a piece of cardboard against the rad on the inside, to prevent potential damage, if a wrench slips.

I really like the belt set up on the 116 engine after you learn the simple tricks for loosing and tightening each belt it pretty simple to change them all.

I much perfer the multible belt set up better than a single belt ,if on a one belt systems if the belt breaks and you are in heavy traffic you loose all you belt driven goodies with possible engine overheating and loss of power brakes and steering ..........

William Rogers.........

William rogers
 

Hey william rogers, how about sharing those simple tricks for loosening and tightening each belt?

Changed all 5 belts and the Fan Clutch
 

I like my 89, 420 SEL. I just changed all 5 belts and replaced the fan clutch in 2 1/2 hours. They were all changed 50K miles ago, and last week I started getting a squeeeeeel, when I started the engine. It seemed better to replace all.

I do like my MB