Hi,

One of the most challenging repair jobs has just happened to me! I have a 93 300SE 3.2L and I purchased/installed a new tensioner.

Everything worked fine for a few months until one day, on the freeway, the belt snapped. I bought a new belt and thought, problem solved. Until I loosened the 19mm bolt that goes through the tensioner.

It broke inside the bracket. Now after doing tapping and easy-out, it won't come off.

I had to remove a couple of pulleys and the steering pump out of the way to have unobstructed access to this broken bolt. No luck. I am afraid of trying to drill the bolt to pieces and damage the threads inside the bracket. I am not sure that those autozone thread repair tools will do the job. What do you think? Any suggestions. Unfortunately for us, we only have 2 cars and both of us work.

I'm having a hard time find a tool to get enough grip and torque on the easy-out to get the broken part of the bolt to turn loose.

Do you know where I can purchase a new 19mm bolt and what the actual thread size is? I can't believe that bolt broke! I thought those bolts were supposed to be pretty sturdy!!

Any help/suggestions is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Hi,

Sorry to hear that. I have a used belt tensioner bolt that came off my 93 190e 23. -4cyl - 201 body style. I do not know if that will fit the tensioner in your car. I'll post the specs on the bolt later today. I am not sure you can buy that bolt itself. I know they sell the adjuster, adj nut, damper etc. The bolt is sold along with the tensioner.

Anyways, if it is the same bolt, I'll be happy to mail it to you at no cost.

smk_texas
98 s420
93 190e 2.3

The tensioner bolt screws into an aluminium bracket that bolts to the block. Remove the bracket and work with it on the bench. As I recall, the A/C compressor, tensioner and PS pump are attached to this bracket.

i know it is too late.....

....but always loosen the alternator to change the belt.... just like the old days...

the tensioner is a major issue...

__________________
1989 300ce 129k
( facelifted front,updated tail lights, lowered suspension,bilstein sports, lorinser front spoiler, MOMO steering wheel, remus exhaust,stainless steel brake lines). (Gone)

1997 s320 154k (what a ride). Sold with 179k miles. Replaced with Hyundai Equus

1994 e320 Cabriolet 108k



1972 280se 4.5 153k Owned for 12 yrs, sorry I sold it


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