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So I’m currently in process of installing a 5 piece pulley kit , belt wrap kit, split cooling kit and 76mm SC pulley from VRP and I never would’ve expected when I opened up almost 2k worth the packing there would not be a single page of instructions ! After spending the last few hours searching videos and watching multiple people give the worst most vague instructions often having their errors pointed out in the comments section I’ve given up and decided to post and ask the community !
Can anyone give me a detailed walk through as it relates to the pulley hardware placement ? All I got was 1 flat washer and 1 cupped washer ! If I try to reuse the cupped dust cover / washers they bind on the pulleys and if I only use the 1 cup washer from Vrp on the SC tensioner the back of the pulley rubs the tensioner mount ! I never could’ve imagined such a situation from a company that’s regarded so highly on the forums can some one please provide some proper assistance because something so simple is turning into a real regret ! I went with Vrp over upd based off some negative reviews and experiences I found on the forums but damn if I’m not starting to wish I hadn’t gone the other way after seeing upd actually provides some hardware and instructions never mind 2 of the pulleys were banged up and dented and they are supposed to be brand new 🙄 I’d appreciate any real direct instruction thanks in advance
While you have belts off, check carefully the dual idler pulley and the water pump pulleys. If water pump is not 100% perfect, replace with new. (Bosch!!!) Call a MBZ dealer with the car's VIN number to get the actual genuine Bosch part number for the water pump. And never replace a water pump without also replacing thermostat. All new, no reman or rebuilt crap.. You only want to use the same part the car came with when new... Water pumps on these cars can wear out, and it is one of the most important parts on the car. Any time the belts are off, all pulleys should be checked!!!!!
Last edited by tonylinc; Jun 26, 2025 at 08:50 PM.
Starting to think they sent you a package that someone else bought, messed with and returned, and no one noticed it was no longer a good new package... Shouldn't it have some instructions, and parts should not be banged up or dented. I would contact the company you bought all that stuff from, and ask for replacements for banged up parts, and ask whether it's all supposed to come with some instructions!
While you have belts off, check carefully the dual idler pulley and the water pump pulleys. If water pump is not 100% perfect, replace with new. (Bosch!!!) Call a MBZ dealer with the car's VIN number to get the actual genuine Bosch part number for the water pump. And never replace a water pump without also replacing thermostat. All new, no reman or rebuilt crap.. You only want to use the same part the car came with when new... Water pumps on these cars can wear out, and it is one of the most important parts on the car. Any time the belts are off, all pulleys should be checked!!!!!
As I was doing this work on the 07 R230 I took my belts off my 03 s55 and my water pump has a slight whine so I will be ordering a pump . Not sure if I can spring $400 at the moment for the Mercedes pump but it's in the cards as for the VRP situation I called when I opened the box before noticing the dented pulley and asked him about instructions there aren't any he then also mentioned I had to Tap and thread the water pump housing for the belt wrap support plate and refered me to the instructions listed for the HD belt tensioner which is ridiculous to say the least ! I tried calling back a few hours later left multiple messages and never heard back I plan to start calling at 9am today! I can say I was going to buy all these parts for my 03 s55 from vrp but now after seeing how they don't do the right thing and supply critical hardware I will be looking into other options for the pulley kit and as for the instructions there aren't any what so ever not on the site which is insane ! What's shocking is all the members here on the forum that have performed and posted about the mod and no one has mentioned this or posted a "how to " clarifying the install in real detail.
Once you have a part number for the water pump, you can shop online (FCPO euro, AutohausAZ, etc) for a replacement that's new and not chinese made. There must be some Youtoob videos where guys have done the pulleys work? Maybe look on benz world, as well. Remember new water pump, new thermostat.
Finally spoke with Cody at Vrp for anybody else who wants to know according to VRP the five piece idler kit when you install the pulleys they are to be installed with the locking snap ring facing outward ! This is critical for fitment !!!
also provided with the five piece idler pulley kit is one flat washer, and one concave washer, the flat washer goes behind the serpentine tensioner pulley located underneath the mini idler! the concave washer goes on the front of the mini idler pulley.!
I had to edit this post because I’m beyond furious right now seeing as his instruction do not allow the pulleys to spin freely ! Update below
Last edited by Apjcustoms; Jun 27, 2025 at 06:46 PM.
UPDATE !!!
I feel like a fool right now. I really question if Cody at VRP has ever installed one of these kits, he swears up and down this pulley kit requires no hardware and after trying to install the way he told me to install it what I’m getting is binding and there is nothing supporting the front of these bearings ! I may be new to Mercedes tech but I’ve been wrenching my entire life ‘ He supplied no races to go on with the bolt so they just float in the front and the mounting post only supports 30% of the bearing . There is no way that this is quality. This is a joke!! I’m about to pack this entire box back up and return ! I don’t know what’s going on over there at VRP but here are pics someone make it make sense ! I was doing this work for someone else and now feel like I have to purchase a kit else where to make things right which I’m in no position to do ! I have to believe someone else can chime in here
When my alternator quit because it was a cheap junk duralast from autozone which should never be put on one of these cars, that's when I learned my water pump was due to explode at any minute, so I got all new pulleys at that time. I didn't do the work myself but have a shop with engineers to run it, they did the work. So I'm sorry I'm no help. My suggestion would be to also post your question(s) on benz world - their R230 forum, I think they get more traffic and I bet you'd get more responses, more quickly, from guys who have been in the same position you're in.
thanks man I solved the SC idler issue with a race from upd and shaved the tensioner skirt down but really upset that I had to do any of that ! I got a voice water pump and just got a low pressure code for abc pump and found the condenser is covered in oil ! its hard to see where its leaking from underneath so im leaning towards pulling the res to get eyes on the pump
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