I need to remove the serpentine belt on my E320 V6 in order to change the water pump. How do I remove the belt tension?

My tensioner has only a tamper-proof T-50 Torx fastener on the front. I do not see anything that allows the use of a socket for unloading the tensioner.

Is there a bolt in the middle of the tensioner pulley? Most of the automatic tensioners allow the pulley to be rotated inwards by putting a socket on the pulley and turning which rotates the pulley inwards and releases the belt tension.

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Ali Al-Chalabi

2001 CLK55
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel
2002 Harley-Davidson Fatboy
Merlin Extralight w/ Campy Record

The screw in the center has the tamper-proof Torx T-50 head. When an attempt is made to rotate the screw to unload the tensioner, the screw unscrews.

Hmmm, I guess they changed the belt tensioner on the M112/M113 engines then. About every screw that can be found anywhere on the engine is a torx bolt now.

__________________
Ali Al-Chalabi

2001 CLK55
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel
2002 Harley-Davidson Fatboy
Merlin Extralight w/ Campy Record

See this thread

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforu...d.php?t=144573