I did some research on this forum i found out how to release the tension on serpentine belt(turning the tensioner clockwise).My question is how to i put the tension back?turning it counter clockwise?just want to make sure before i tackle this job.TIA.

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96' E320

it goes automatically like a spring.

You have to hold the tensioner down while removing or adding a belt.

Are you saying that when i turn it the tensioner clockwise i need to hold on to it while removing and adding a belt?I'm assuming its a 2 man job?

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96' E320

i usually thread the engine belt on and then leave the tenioner pulley for last. using my pinky i collapse the tensioner and using my thumb i pull the belt on.

Make sure it's on ALL the little grooves of ALL the pulleys!

It can be done with only one set of hands. Just hold the tensioner off and pull the belt off of the pulley. Do the same thing when you put the new belt on, and save the tensioner pulley for last.

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Ali Al-Chalabi

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

So i when i put the belt on all the pullies the tensioner will automatically put tension to the belt,Is that what you saying?

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96' E320

You turn the bolt in the middle of the tensioner pulley to release the tension. You will be holding force against the spring force of the tensioner when you rotate it inwards. When you release the tensioner will go back into place until it hits its limit of travel since it will have no belt to pull against.

Think of the tensioner as a pulley on a spring. All you are doing by releaseing the tenioner is moving the pulley against a spring to provide enough clearance to get the belt off. The pulley naturally returns to its original state when you release the force on it. Just put a socket on the pulley and you will understand.

All you need is a 15mm (I think) socket and a new belt, and maybe a diagram of how the belt is routed in case you forget. You can find a diagram in the owner's manual.

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Ali Al-Chalabi

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

Ali,
Now i know what you're saying.IT's easy as 123.

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96' E320