Serpentine Belt 201 2.6L - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Guest987 · #1 10-02-2011, 04:01 PM

I had read some place on removing the belt by the alternator. I was just wanting to find out if it's doable to be able to replace the belt this way & not removing anything else? Like stuff it around the fan. Thanks for any help!

tjts1 · #2 10-02-2011, 04:11 PM

You have to remove the viscous clutch fan and shroud.

Ivanerrol · #3 10-02-2011, 07:05 PM

The M103 engine is shoehorned into the W201 body.
As previous poster has mentioned the fan and shroud has to come out to be able to acess the 19mm bolt on the tensioner. If you try to remove the belt without loosening the tensioner you risk damaging the tensioner. (And then you have a job doing the tensioner changeout)

Guest987 · #4 10-03-2011, 11:51 AM

Do you have to have any special tools to remove the viscous fan clutch? How long should the serpentine belt last before you might detect the cracking lines in the ribs?

tjts1 · #5 10-03-2011, 02:48 PM

You can find all the service manual info you'll ever need here.
http://www.startekinfo.com/StarTek/outside/11832/?requestedDocId=11832

ILUVMILS · #6 10-04-2011, 12:11 PM

Old timer shop tip. Remove the upper radiator support first. This will allow you to tilt the radiator/condenser forward slightly. It makes getting to the fan bolt simple.

Guest987 · #7 10-05-2011, 11:40 AM

Was wanting to check about belt. If it show just horizontal cracking with no rib places broken out & the belt shows no signs of fraying, is it still a change out or not??

Adler · #8 10-05-2011, 12:16 PM

A replacement belt may be worthwhile along with the a new tensioner .The 103 rubber tensioner is the Achilles heel of the system ,pulling off the belt is liable to damage a ageing old tensioner ,mostly the rubber parts company from the metal housing .
Ad

tjts1 · #9 10-05-2011, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ILUVMILS

Old timer shop tip. Remove the upper radiator support first. This will allow you to tilt the radiator/condenser forward slightly. It makes getting to the fan bolt simple.

You can remove the fan and clutch together without undoing any bolts or moving the radiator.

ILUVMILS · #10 10-07-2011, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjts1

You can remove the fan and clutch together without undoing any bolts or moving the radiator.

Hmmmmm.........if I remember correctly, there's only about half an inch between the radiator and fan on an M103 equipped 201. Tipping the radiator forward makes it easier to insert the tool into the fan bolt.

Mike Murrell · #11 10-10-2011, 01:03 AM

Find a VERY long 3/8s breaker bar. I have the Stahlwille 8mm allen head designed for this task.

The right tools make the work easier to do.

lsmalley · #12 10-11-2011, 05:03 AM

to remove the belt you do not need to take off the fan clutch. Take off the radiator support bracket, remove the fan shroud, lift and pull slightly forward on the radiator, and remove the 3 bolts holding the fan blade and remove that. Next, loosen the 19mm bolt and take off the belt. It only takes about 15 to 20 minutes. I have done this job several times.