E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

Loose Serpentine Belt???

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Old Jul 11, 2017 | 12:16 AM
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2008 e350
Loose Serpentine Belt???

Hello,

I just replaced my Serpentine belt on an 08 e-350 following an tutorial that I found on an older thread. It wasn't too difficult. However,I noticed that on the tensioner pulley the belt slightly goes over the pulley about 1/10 of an inche. No matter how far i set the belt back as soon as I start the car the belt will move forward and remain at that position. I drove the car for about 20 mins and it seemed fine.

I checked all the other pulleys and they feel and look like they are all within the grooves. Also,I tighten the tensioner serval times,so I no it's not loose. Now,this belt is slightly wider than the belt that was replaced. Unfortunately,I had to opt for the cheaper one at my local parts store since they didn't have the better quality one at hand,and my belt visually looked like it was in terrible condition.

Now,is this something that I should be concerned about or is it fine?


Last edited by rs732; Jul 11, 2017 at 12:22 AM.
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Old Jul 11, 2017 | 02:33 AM
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2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
What kind of mileage do you have on the car? The pulleys and tensioner are known to go. I picked up a kit on rockauto that included the pulleys, tensioner and belt for around $120. They were a little loose when I replaced mine. The thermostat on mine went so I replaced the pulleys while replacing the thermostat as one pulley has to come off anyway when you replace it.
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Old Jul 11, 2017 | 03:05 AM
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Originally Posted by cetialpha5
What kind of mileage do you have on the car? The pulleys and tensioner are known to go. I picked up a kit on rockauto that included the pulleys, tensioner and belt for around $120. They were a little loose when I replaced mine. The thermostat on mine went so I replaced the pulleys while replacing the thermostat as one pulley has to come off anyway when you replace it.
I currently have 130K miles on the car.
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Old Jul 11, 2017 | 12:04 PM
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I would take the belt off and check pulleys for play.
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Old Jul 11, 2017 | 05:32 PM
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replace both upper idler pulleys, belt tensioner and belt. You may have to shim one of the idler pulleys depending on VIN. Your belt tensioner is worn, belt recessed on pulley. Very common easy fix!
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Old Jul 11, 2017 | 05:39 PM
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Originally Posted by rs732
I currently have 130K miles on the car.
You are probably way overdue. I did mine at 70k and they had a little play in them.

http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo....440485&jsn=465

It's $120.79 and then if you use code 6471789857971574 for 5% off in the how did you hear about us box, it's $114.75.
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Old Jul 12, 2017 | 01:05 AM
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I just changed my belt to an OEM belt (it had a Gates belt, which is perfectly fine and a good brand BTW). Replaced both idler pulleys (top and bottom) and checked the tensioner.


Tensioner was perfectly fine at 60k and still very taught. The top idler pulley made a slight noise and I could hear the bearings when I moved it in my hand. Bottom idler pulley appeared to track smooth and didn't have any noises. At how cheap the idler pulleys are, you should just replace them. The tensioner is also cheap and easy to replace. They belt was $50 from FCPEuro.


Are you 100% sure everything is on correctly? The belt should fix itself if you turned the car on, if it keep going out of track like that then something needs replaced. The pulley WILL eventually wear through the belt since it's not 100% on the pulley it will create a wear spot where it's hanging off of it.


-Nigel
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Old Jul 13, 2017 | 03:06 AM
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Thanks,I''m going to check the pulleys this weekend and confirm they need to be replaced. It's possible that they were replaced a year ago however I'll have to check my last service receipt.
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Old Jul 26, 2017 | 01:49 AM
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2008 e350
Originally Posted by cetialpha5
You are probably way overdue. I did mine at 70k and they had a little play in them.

http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo....440485&jsn=465

It's $120.79 and then if you use code 6471789857971574 for 5% off in the how did you hear about us box, it's $114.75.
One of the pulleys started to make a noise,so I'm going to need to order some replacements. However,the link provide is out of stock. Anyone else know who carries a similar kit. The local auto store would cost close to $200 if I order individual parts.
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Old Jul 26, 2017 | 01:53 AM
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Just go to your year and drill down. I guess the link expired but it still shows up if you just drill down. It's listed under belt drive.

Amazon carries it, but it's $141.97. They're not always cheaper. Search retailmenot.com for the latest 5% off code, they have that all the time at rockauto.

It's the CONTITECH ADK0012P.
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Old Jul 26, 2017 | 02:35 AM
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Originally Posted by cetialpha5
Just go to your year and drill down. I guess the link expired but it still shows up if you just drill down. It's listed under belt drive.

Amazon carries it, but it's $141.97. They're not always cheaper. Search retailmenot.com for the latest 5% off code, they have that all the time at rockauto.

It's the CONTITECH ADK0012P.
Thanks,I just ordered the kit and saved the extra 5%.
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Old Jul 26, 2017 | 03:11 PM
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That's not okay. Remove belt and recheck all accessory drive pulleys and idlers, replace with OEM belt. tensioner should be in 100% perfect alignment with belt back surface no exceptions.
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Old Jul 27, 2017 | 09:56 PM
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Originally Posted by Redwood415
That's not okay. Remove belt and recheck all accessory drive pulleys and idlers, replace with OEM belt. tensioner should be in 100% perfect alignment with belt back surface no exceptions.
Thanks!

Does anyone have the the service manual. I just want to confirm the torque specs on the tensioner and pulleys.

Also,to remove the pulleys is it just a T-50 torx bit?

Last edited by rs732; Jul 27, 2017 at 09:59 PM.
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