84 300SD - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

NoSparkNeeded · #1 08-07-2009, 06:22 PM

I just replaced the alternator in my wife's car. Original lasted 207,000 miles!Just wanted to comment on the "adjustment bracket". I had to bend the bracket to get the adjustment bolt out, then bend it back around the bolt.I couldn't see any other way to do it. I thought German design was supposed to be "the best". I would have expected that on my Jaguar,hehe, but not a Mercedes. Any pro mechanic want to comment on why a part had to be intentionally bent, in order to do a replacement of another? I've worked on MANY different cars as a hobbyist, and never encountered a part designed like this. I'll probably never have to replace the alternator again, but I sat there looking at the part for 5 minutes thinking "heck, am I just being an idiot?" Bending up a part just to replace it. All went well. The alternator is in and working, not a difficult fix, but I still wonder if I missed something obvious.

Graplr · #2 08-07-2009, 07:05 PM

I always figured the dealership replaced the old bracket for a new one along with the new alternator. We are probably dealing with remans so they don't come with new brackets. Just a theory.

When I've changed the alternator on my 84 I just did like you did and bent the front of the bracket.

NoSparkNeeded · #3 08-07-2009, 07:13 PM

Thanks. I wasted a good period of time looking at that bracket, thinking I was being stupid. I HAVE ruined things in the past, thinking that "damn this HAS to be the only way, just to discover I didn't get it at frist glance.My wife says I always over analyise everything, so I just got stuck and bent the farkle. Glad to know that is the only way to do it.

Brian Carlton · #4 08-08-2009, 01:21 AM

Nope, you're not being stupid. There is no way to release the tensioning bracket without bending one of those ears.

It seems a bit odd to me as well.