s500 Drive Belt Idler Pulley
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Joined: Oct 2009
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S 500
s500 Drive Belt Idler Pulley
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
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
Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 78
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From: Between Honolulu and Offutt.
1998 and 2002 SL 500, 2014 E550 Convertible
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.....
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.....
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 53
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From: norcal
1996 S320 SWB, 1998 S600
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.
