VERY Annoying Engine Chirp
 

On my E320, there is a Very annoying engine chirp coming from the main belt. I couldn't figure out what it was at first, but I stuck my head closer and closer (but not too close :) ) to the sound until I isolated it. I sprayed a little lube on it (the belt) to see if that stopped the chirp and it did... for a minute of so. How can I get rid of this sound? It is VERY loud all around the car and makes it sound like a POS! Any help is appreciated. Thx

It's time for a new belt. Yours is not maintaining its grip on the pulleys.

Is this something I can do myself, or should I seek professional help? I know that some of these belts that have to go around 7 or 8 pulleys cans be very tricky...

I would start by purchasing a manual for the car. After reviewing the step by step instructions, you'll have to determine whether you have the tools and mechanical skills needed to complete the job. Pop the hood and take a look around. It is not a tough job, but make sure you do your research and feel confident before you even start.

Play around with the search function at the top of the screen as well, and you should find some tips from those who have documented the job in detail.

I was in the process of replacing the alternator on my 93 300E and decided that it would be a good time to replace the belt while in there.

Could not figure out how to slaken the belt tensioner, so (belts do stretch), I tugged at the belt, and there was enough play to pull it over one pulley, and thus, take the rest of the belt right off.

I agree. You need the manual in order to follow the sequence of threading the new belt back on. My Haynes manual showed four configurations, based on which 6-cyl engine I had, and where the accessory components (in different locations for each engine) shared the belt.

The threading sequence took about ten minutes as I carefully made sure I rounded each pulley correctly. One neat thing is that each pulley gives you a clue of whether or not you are on the right track, since the smooth pulleys indicate that the smooth side should be facing the pulley, while the grooved pulleys indicate just the opposite.

I threaded mine from the bottom and worked my way up, so that I could just tug the remainder of the belt over the last pulley...and I'm not a he-man either!

That was four months ago, and no problems with the belt!:D

BTW, this is a LOT easier with the fan blade and shroud removed!

I just had my belt changed.... though it looked just fine? I have 110,000 miles on my motor.

What is the regular service interval for a belt?

The belt diagram for my C280 is in my regular Owner's Manual!

Hi i just wanted to add my 2 cents too...ive got a 1997 C200 Elegance which has 52,000kms which is i dunno in miles...recently it makes chirping and screeching sounds when i just accelerate the car normally. It sometimes makes that sound too when its idle...I hope i dont have to get something replaced....i dont have the finances at the moment just after i bought some schmick 17"inch wheels for the car....hmm is this maybe the same problem as the E320? how old is ur car?


Christian

1989 300TE
1997 C200 Elegance
2000 ML430

You may have pullys that are not aligned correctly.

The MB manual only show different wear indicators to determine if the belt needs changing. There is no interval for changing the belt, just an inspection every 12,000 miles.

well my friend make sure that the tensioner has not gone bad as well and you wind up doing the job twice so whatever you were spraying the lube at hopefully it wasnt at the tensioner because then you need to replace that also.

Re: VERY Annoying Engine Chirp
 

Ix-nay on the Ube-lay. Just replace the belt. My dealer charges next to nothing for labour on this job, far below the "book" as their special tools allow them to get the job done very quickly. Look into it if you're not able to do it yourself...

It is fine to spray lube at the belt?