The lever is most probable cause in my case - I think ... will remove belt and see it it is square with the plane of the belt and that it rotates normally ... how loose should it be following torqueing to spec?

I reviewed the shop manual CD - seems like I recall mine having a washer between the level bolt and the engine, but the flared area on the bolt would not seem like it would receive a washer, right?

Part number 362 in the manual on the exploded view (13-345) appears to be the bearing, right? It isn't anything else in between?

Thanks ....

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George Stephenson
1991 350 SDL (200K and she ain't bent, yet)
former 2002 E320 4Matic Wagon - good car
former 1985 300 CD - great car
former 1981 300 TD - good car
former 1972 280 SEL - not so good car
a couple of those diesel Rabbits ...40-45 mpg