I'm a virgin belt replacer, Help - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

zsmith29 · #1 03-17-2008, 10:19 PM

It is true. I have never removed or replaced a belt on any car, ever. I took off the ac compressor this morning and I am picking up the new one w/ the rec/dryer tomorrow.
I never found the 10mm ternsioner/adjuster bolt that I heard about. All I got out of the compressor was 3-17mm bolts of all different lengths and the bolt that holds the freon lines in place.

Does anyone have any suggestions for the Power Steering pump belt and the AC belt??

#2 03-17-2008, 10:42 PM

If you post or PM your e-mail address I will send you the chapter from the service manual.

zsmith29 · #3 03-17-2008, 10:58 PM

zsmith29@hotmail.com

Rock-n-Roll

#4 03-17-2008, 11:00 PM

E-mail sent.

zsmith29 · #5 03-17-2008, 11:08 PM

That was very very helpful. I want one of those manuals. Where can I get one?

Also, do you know which bolt the large spacer came off of? I think it is the bottom bolt nearest the passenger side of the vehicle,, is that right?

#6 03-17-2008, 11:13 PM

The manual used to be online someplace, but it's no longer up. Maybe someone else knows if/where it is available now.

Are you looking for the location of the spacer on one of the AC compressor bolts?

zsmith29 · #7 03-17-2008, 11:18 PM

Yes, sorry for being vague

OlBrenner · #8 03-17-2008, 11:21 PM

Want to know another very good tip? The belts are very tight, even when the adjustment is all the way out. So all you need to do is wrap the belt around the accessory and then half way around the crank pulley, thats about as far as it'll fit easily. Then jump the motor (touch the two contacts in the engine bay, the factory service manual recommends this for valve adjustments), the motor will pop clockwise and pull the belt on. Otherwise it's a HUGE pain in the ass, or at least it was for me.

#9 03-17-2008, 11:25 PM

Look at page 4 of the manual, second photo, bolt #8 shows the spacer.

zsmith29 · #10 03-17-2008, 11:31 PM

Thanks Guys I have never thought of doing that before. I understand it, I think, I am not sure if I am going to try that though

#11 03-17-2008, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OlBrenner

Want to know another very good tip? The belts are very tight, even when the adjustment is all the way out. So all you need to do is wrap the belt around the accessory and then half way around the crank pulley, thats about as far as it'll fit easily. Then jump the motor (touch the two contacts in the engine bay, the factory service manual recommends this for valve adjustments), the motor will pop clockwise and pull the belt on. Otherwise it's a HUGE pain in the ass, or at least it was for me.

IMO, replacing the belts isn't that bad. I think it took me a couple of hours the first time (lots of trail and error), but I can change them all in about a 1/2 hour now. I once did it in a hotel parking lot 2000 miles from home because one of the alternator/water pump belts broke and I didn't ant to drive home on a single belt.

pawoSD · #12 03-18-2008, 01:24 AM

Its possible to loosen the accessories enough to slip the belts on easily...I've never had a problem with that. The only time its tough is if you have a Al129x alternator or something that reduces clearances.

toomany MBZ · #13 03-18-2008, 05:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OlBrenner

Then jump the motor (touch the two contacts in the engine bay, the factory service manual recommends this for valve adjustments), the motor will pop clockwise and pull the belt on.

I use a hand held bump starter for just such a purpose.