124 Series E250D Engine Belt Tensioner strut Shock Absorber

[enquirer]

Hi, I am a new member.
I have a new shock absorber to fit to the front of the engine. I have removed the bolt at the top of the shock absorber, and loosened the lower bolt but cannot detach the shock absorber because the bolt is trapped behind the fan belt pulley.

I have also released the belt spring tensioner which allows the lower mount to swivel, but not enough to remove the bolt.

How can I continue without having to remove the radiator and pulley?

 

[SilverSaloon]

I had the exact same problem.

I did this:

- slacken the belt and take off the pully(s)
- loosen the fan shround and pull it out the way a bit to gain access
- get a spanner down to the 5(?) small bolts that hold the pully on
- VERY carefully start to undo these bolts (probably using a spanner or similar to stop the pully from turning). ONLY undo a bit on each - DO NOT REMOVE or it will spoil your day!!!
- once all 5 are loose - the pully should be able to be moved a few mm.
- you now should * JUST * be able to undo the lower bolt enough to allow the old shock absorber to slide out of its bolt. the bolt still wont fit fully out though!!

- then fit the new shock and tighten up the bolt.
- tighten up the 5 pully bolts again, ensuring everything is still aligned and the pully is nice and flat in position.

you can see the bolts i loosened here:

JUST MAKE SURE YOU DONT UNDO THEM TOO MUCH! if you do, they will fall out and it will be a nightmare to refit without removing the radiator!!!!

hope it helps!!!

Derek