350 SDL Belt Tensioner /Shock Noise?

[ezrider]

I am original owner, it has 149K miles on it and has been one fine car.

There is a noise in or on the front of the motor that sounds like a moderate hammering noise. It is most noticeable at idle and goes away as speed increases.

I just finished driving 400 miles pulling a closed motorcycle trailer often at 80-85+ MPH and the noise has not gotten worse. The noise almost disappeared completely at highway rest stops after high speed runs. The noise is back while driving around town now.

I seem to recall that replacing the shock and tensioner assembly on the serpentine belt pulley in the past may have eliminated a similar noise, am I right? How can you tell if the belt tensioner and/or shock need to be replaced? I also seem to recall that certain spring and shock assemblies were better than others, is this true? The shock on there now looks like it has non MB markings on it.

Can the shock be replaced without removing the fan hub? If the hub has to be removed is it an easy job?


Thank you.