I would say he is recommending the belt tensioner be replaced as well as the front shocks. I'm not sure what model you have, but on most Mercedes the front shocks are integrated into the struts.

These belt tensioners seem to only last a few years. To be honest, the way I know to replace the tensioner is when I accellerate abruptly to pass someone and hear the belt shreek immediately after I let off the accellerator. The A/C usually cuts out and then comes back in a couple of minutes if I don't restart the car first...

I just realized that you are in Atlanta. I highly recomend MBS Motors on Pleasant Hill at Buford Highway.

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02 S500
92 500SL
92 400E (Sold)
87 300E (Sold)
83 300D Turbo (Sold)
75 300D (Sold)
74 240D (Sold after 20 years)