I recently changed my pulley and damper because it wasn't on an even plane. The pulley was sticking way out(well far enough). During installation everything lined up perfectly. When I started the car the pulley started leaning towards the front again. I want to remove the tesioner(the part that attaches to the bottom of the spring and damper. Problem is that I don't have a tool to remove it with. That's got to be one of the biggest allen key holes that I have ever seen....lol. What size is it?

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1995 E420 152k
1991 300D 2.5 348116 daily driver
1992 300E 2.6 196k-work in progress(head gasket)
2002 BMW 745Li 93k

Hey, it is a 12 mm Allen, you can get a set of three tools 1/2" drive - 12 mm, 14 mm, and 17 mm Allen wrench sockets from Autozone for about $15.

Likely the bearing in the tensioner arm has failed, when installing a new tensioner arm use blue thread-lock and follow the torque specs careful that you don't strip the threads out of the aluminum timing cover. From the dealership you can get a replacement plastic cover that snaps into the opening of the tensioner arm, that will help seal the new bearing from dirt and grime. Good luck!

__________________
1995 E420 152k
1991 300D 2.5 348116 daily driver
1992 300E 2.6 196k-work in progress(head gasket)
2002 BMW 745Li 93k

I just picked them up for $11.99 from Autozone...yep all 3.

__________________
1995 E420 152k
1991 300D 2.5 348116 daily driver
1992 300E 2.6 196k-work in progress(head gasket)
2002 BMW 745Li 93k