captain1976

I have a 2000 S500 and it was making some noise. I found it was coming from a split pulley. I assume its called a belt idler pulley but am not sure. I'm not sure what it drives but it is grooved and sits on the highest point a bit to the passenger side of center. It is currently running on only a couple of grooves as it split in the middle. Also seems to be running OK but I don't trust it.
Its made of some kind of plastic material.
Can anyone tell me if the pulley comes off separately or must I buy the assembly its attached to. Also any recommendations on where to get it would be appreciated.

Thanks

napaAl

post a picture if you can.

benica

Been their ...done that....e-bay has them...
I will give you some advice.....do NOT try and save money by buying only the pully or the tensioner.....99% of the time, if you replace only the pulley and reinstall it...the tensioner is now bad and you have to now buy the tensioner!
The tensioner takes a beating...the inside has a rubber bushing that is stretching over time...it is constantly moving....do yourself a favor a get the complete setup....pully and tensioner....between $150.00...~$300.00 on e-bay....do not buy used!
I realize that just because folks own a mercedes...it does not meant they can afford it!
The belt tensioner is important...don't buy used or el cheapo.....

captain1976

OK, I appreciate the info but I'm still not sure if it is the tension pulley or not. Here is a picture and its the small pulley right on top of the picture.

Thanks

napaAl

I don't have an S500, so I can't say for sure, but that pulley appears to be a mechanism, like an air pump possibly. An idler arm takes the slack out of the belt, and looks more like an arm.