190E rattles on start-up

[Ray Castle]

Hi,
New 190E owner here, hoping that someone can help. My car rattles badly from drive belt area when started from cold. Merc Care in Leeds (who I rate) has taken a look and fitted a new V-belt tensioner. They have also put plenty of chalk on the belt.
First cold morning after this was done, all was sweet. But this morning it is as bad as ever. It's booked back in with them for Weds - but if anyone has had similar happen - and has any ideas as to a cure - I'd be really grateful.
Thanks

 

[Sp!ke]

If your set-up is like on my W124, as well as the tensioner assembly itself, there may be a little shock absorber which helps to smooth out the tension at low revs when the engine is a little lumpy from cold. if worn or damaged this shock will make your car sound like a diesel at low revs when cold.

I think the replacement on mine was about 1/2 hours labour and £35 odd for the part.

HTH

 

[Ray Castle]

Thanks, Sp!ke. I'll ask M-C to investigate!

 

[PaulM]

did this solve the problem? I have had the same (I think) on my 230TE for ages. MB garage says it is normal. Independent Edinburgh MB used emery/sand paper on the v-belt (outside flat surface), and this seems to clear problem for a day or so and then the noise comes back again. Must be something to do with slipping belt where the smooth side goes round the tensioner (which I assume is the only point where the inside V-section is not gripping pulleys etc).

 

[Ray Castle]

Had the tensioner changed, plus the shock absorber bit, and the V-belt. Haven't heard a peep in the three months since!

 

[PaulM]

Thanks for this. Next time it's in (deutsch-marque) for something, I'll ask them about these bits too. Might stop the car being heard coming long before it arrives!

 

[gregsmithuk15]

Yea my 190e squeeks when not under engine load, i'll try the chalk and sand paper and take it out for a test, thanks