1989 Mercedes 300E Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement

Anything to do with the front of the engine on these cars is hard yards, very tight spaces and hard to get at bolts. But nothing compared to working on the 450SLC, which is nearly impossible.

[@Junk65]

My 1987 190e is very similar. I was able to replace the tensioner -belt-shock without removing the radiator, fan or pulleys. The shroud cracked when attempting to remove so I reinstalled it and epoxied it together. Seems like every year-model is a bit different. I think this will be my last serpentine belt replacement this lifetime. Thanks.

[@brentmonkhouse6638]

Cheers for your videos, i have a 300ce and this all comes in handy

[@user-ui3ci8ot5d]

I loved your video RIffraff jazz! Very helpful. Wondering if you have or can do a video on rebuilding the chain tensioner on your 81 Mercedes? I have a 1989 300SE and the manual instructions are somewhat vague, and the videos I found are for a different type and don't help.

[@theredneckguru7811]

I bought my parts last week for the tensioner and decided to rebuild the fuel hoses that run to the fuel cooler while everything was off. My S-class has 150,000 so I also replaced the cooling fans and I regreased the fan pulley and the fan clutch.

[@riffraffjazz]

Hi, Should be good for another 10 years.

[@bimlocsin2707]

Is there a special tool needed to release the cooling fan lock? The Haynes Repair manual says there is. You mentioned a special tool needed to release the clutch. Is this one and the same? I need to replace the serpentine belt on my 300e and still learning how to do it. Can you post a link where I can get spares. Really appreciate your effort in putting these videos up. Many thanks.

[@riffraffjazz]

Hi, the fan is held on with allen head screws, but you need a special tool to remove the clutch, check here, www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/169011-300e-m103-fan-clutch-removal-tool.html but you do not have to remove it to replace the drive belt. As for parts, Pelican, Ecklers, and in Australia MB spares, SWEA, ASV Euro car parts. Good luck, Paul.

[@bimlocsin2707]

Thanks Paul, much appreciated.

[@almegdadalkanshaly9401]

Hi can you show me how do you put the belt back

[@riffraffjazz]

Hi, You need to do a google search in images, type in 1989 300E drive belt diagram.
Unfortunately I can't past a picture here. The belt layout depends on what accessories are on the car. Good Luck, Paul.

[@michaelboburt1774]

I have a 92 300e can i just get an automatic belt tensioner

[@riffraffjazz]

The belt tensioner is spring loaded, thus automatic. Cheers, paul

[@michaelboburt1774]

@@riffraffjazz thanks for your reply does this mean the stock tensioner is automatic

[@riffraffjazz]

@@michaelboburt1774 Hi, Yes

[@michaelboburt1774]

Sorry i have one More question there is a long skinny hose that is attatched to the overflow tank and it is dangling from the engine. is coolant supposed to overflow onto the ground or should the other end be attached to something?

[@riffraffjazz]

@@michaelboburt1774 Hi, The water bottle for the radiator has an overflow hose where it just drops to the ground.but it doesn't dangle from the engine. Hope this helps. Paul

[@cam1078]

Nice