isosunrise91

The car I purchased had the idler pulley and water pump replaced as well as the belt as it snapped one day. The tensioner was not replaced. Currently the tensioner is shaking back and forth and the belt is slowly shredding, it's only a number or days before I'm stranded. Is it possible to get a new tensioner and belt from a local advanced auto parts or auto zone? Also does anyone know exact tools I need to do this job? Per YouTube videos and some write ups it's quite easy and under an hour if it's your first time doing this. Any help is appreciated, can't be stranded!!

rodneypierce

yes, thats fine. And you should really invest in a repair manual. Something like alldatadiy.com even. It will tell you what tools you need for the job as well as step by step instructions.

tjts1

What car?

isosunrise91

09 E350. Purchased in October. Trying to get some minor maintenance done.

Agent-A01

Buy an OEM tensioner, don't try to get some junk from autozone.
Belts are fine as long as you stick to reputable brands late gates.

rodneypierce

Considering Advance Auto sells Litens, it wouldnt be junk. Autozone has a few as well, but most likely will only have their house brand in stock. So likely a good move to go with Advance Auto.

OP, you would be just fine getting a Litens tensioner from Advanced, and a gates belt.

05w211wagon

might help if you give us some details as to the year make and model.

rodneypierce

he did. 09 e350. Post #4

isosunrise91

Thanks for this! I found a store a few miles from me that has this in stock.

Cambz

You can get the whole thing made by gates which is who makes the OEM serp belt for MB.

This is the kit for M112 engine, is check fitment for your model & motor.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=9118024

rodneypierce

No problem!! I personally would have zero issue going with that. In fact, its what is on my 90 e550. Has been trouble free.

isosunrise91

Thanks for this although very cheap I ended up with a Litens tensioner and MB belt today from the dealer. I installed. Next post.

isosunrise91

I actually took the plunge today and installed a new tensioner from advanced auto parts it's Litens brand cost me $65! Next I headed over the my local Mercedes dealer and got ripped off,$55 for a belt but figured I would do this right if I'm doing it at all.

Well about an hour later, I have a new tensioner and belt installed. Literally would have taken a half hour if I had that coolant hose out of my way. YouTube, this thread, and another pdf I found on this site- made it all possible. No more noise, no more shaking. Thanks

Concerns: I knew before this that my water pump, which was installed by the previous owner in October 2018 by pep boys, is rusting. Why? I have no clue I guess because it's a crappy after market part.. i called the shop that did it and they claim they can replace it for a fee. Don't have much leverage as I'm the next owner. Can I leave it for now?

Next concern: my previous tensioner was visually shaking back and forth. When I took it off and spun it it was noisy. I notice when I had someone start the car the tensioner moved a bit before it turned over. I assume this is normal?

Last concern: since the pulley on the tensioner is smooth without a lip on either end I tried my best to center the belt, will it slip off if I did something wrong?

rodneypierce

Thats just the water pump pulley that is rusty. As long as it spin smooth and is not leaking anything, I would not worry. Its just a pulley. And as far as the tensioner moving when you started the car, thats normal. Its going to move a little bit as the belt spins. No worries on not having a lip. The belt wont wander.

isosunrise91

Sounds good to me, thanks. Any clue what all this soot build up is? I don't have a picture right now. Will upload later..