w210 | OM606 Accessory Belt Tension Damper - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

michakaveli · #1 04-08-2010, 10:55 AM

Question for you pro's.... I'm trying to understand what causes the bushing on the tension damper to wear out. I noticed some years ago when I still lived in CT, that there was a rattle when the car was running at idle, especially noticeable when cold. After review on this forum and checking on the car (pressing down on the top of the damper with finger quieted the rattle down), it was eveident that the top bushing that holds the damper to the block was worn out, and had some play. I tried to tackle this job on my own, but due to my complications with the bottom bolt, I was unable to completely removed, I took it to my indy to replace. They installed the new damper, and a new belt, stating that the belt I had replaced not long before that was starting to wear out due to the worn damper.

Fast forward a few years later, not that many miles since, maybe 40-50k tops, I have noticed this rattle (actually 1-2 years prior, but don't drive it much as it's a garage queen), this issue is resurfacing. All I would need is a new bushing, but you can't find it, to the best of my knowledge as it comes with the damper. These damper are not inexpensive, for what it is, and I'd like to learn how to prevent this, what I consider to be pre-mature wear...

Any thoughts fellas?

muleears · #2 04-08-2010, 12:45 PM

My car goes through those about every 30K. I have shortened the bottom bolt so it is easy to get out and do my own. They are expensive for a little shock. I tried one from ebay and it didn't even last that long. Never tried to replace just the bushing though...

michakaveli · #3 04-08-2010, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by muleears

My car goes through those about every 30K. I have shortened the bottom bolt so it is easy to get out and do my own. They are expensive for a little shock. I tried one from ebay and it didn't even last that long. Never tried to replace just the bushing though...

Thanks for the response. I don't ever recall having to touch it on our '99, but I'll check it out next time I can.

KarTek · #4 04-09-2010, 03:38 PM

The shock bushings take a lot of abuse because of the shape of the power stroke output pulse from the diesel. It's more of a sawtooth wave pattern then the sine wave output of a gas engine.

The shocks on these cars tend to buzz after starting while the glowplugs are still lit for a couple minutes. You can hear the buzz quit after the GP's shut off.