Identifying Correct Pulley
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Member
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 175
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From: California
2016 E350 Sport
Identifying Correct Pulley
I am told I have a bad pulley that needs changing due to winning frontal noise when gas is pushed a little harder. I'd like to buy that pulley before taking belt off. How do I identify that fully without removing the belt? If you have any tricks, please share!
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 266
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2011 Mercedes E350 4Matic Wagon
Only way I know to see if a pulley is bad is by removing the belt and spinning each pulley to see if there is bearing noise and moving the pulley vertically and horizontally to see if there is any play on the bearings. Depending on the mileage of your vehicle and whether the pulleys, belt and belt tensioner have ever been replaced it might be a good idea to replace all in one shot as preventative maintenance imo.
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Joined: Apr 2021
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From: San Jose, CA
11 E550, 16 AMG GTS, 13 S550
holding a big flathead screwdriver against the center of the pulley to feel the loose bearings grinding (warning this is dangerous).
it takes 5 min to take the belt off. I have rarely seen it be only one pulley though without it being the other. Sometimes the tensioner pulley is OK but I really don't advise getting complacent with the tensioner not being replaced. The Febi Bilstein one is so cheap you might as well.
it takes 5 min to take the belt off. I have rarely seen it be only one pulley though without it being the other. Sometimes the tensioner pulley is OK but I really don't advise getting complacent with the tensioner not being replaced. The Febi Bilstein one is so cheap you might as well.
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Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,953
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From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
ALL PARTS TOGETHER AT ONCE
The serpentine system is best maintained all at once with a parts kit:
[tensioner + idlers + belt] work and die together.
20 to 30mn labor time.
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Joined: Jan 2025
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Here is the part assuming you have M272 3.5L Engine:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...pt=11659&jsn=1
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 175
Likes: 62
From: California
2016 E350 Sport
I was able to purchase a kit from Rockauto.com and replace it in an hour.
Here is the part assuming you have M272 3.5L Engine:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...pt=11659&jsn=1
Here is the part assuming you have M272 3.5L Engine:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...pt=11659&jsn=1
