A-Class 2011 Aux Belt

[arashtrip]

Hi,

I have an A-Class 2011. Last summer the aux belt was broken and so I brought it to a garage for a replacement.

The same thing happened a couple of days ago after I turned on the AC. When the AA came in, the guy told me that the AC pulley is damaged and showed me a photo of that. He said that it maight broke the belt.

I brought it to a garage and they just replaced the belt and told me that there are some noises on the AC pulley but it is fine. They did not give me any reason that why this happened again and said that the belt may be worn (but it is less than a year old and I drove about 10,000 miles in the last year). They said if they wanted to replace the AC pulley they would have to replace the whole compressor unit that is so expensive.

So, anyone can help me what could make an engine to throw out the Aux belt twice in a year? And if it is for the AC pulley do I need to replace the whole unit?

 

[Trickythemerc]

A damaged pulley will just keep destroying belts. I would think the A/C compressor pulley would be available on its own, fairly easy to change, an hours labour should cover it.

 

[wongl]

Did the garage fit an original belt from MB or an aftermarket replacement belt?

 

[Petrol Pete]

Most AC pulleys just spin around with little resistance until the AC is activated , if the pump is not damaged/seized the extra load will be felt and heard for s split second as the clutch engages, after that there should b no further 'drama' . If the pump/compressor is seized it could stall and rip the belt off.

On some AC compressors it is possible to just replace the clutch part/idler bearing , on others it is often the whole unit that has to be replaced.

Many garages just can't be bothered to replace the clutch bearing as they are often difficult to access and the compressor might have to be removed to replace the bearing and they will simply quote you the cost of a complete compressor. If the compressor is replaced you have the added cost of a re gas.

You could do a quick DIY fault find by removing the belt , starting the engine , activating the AC and see if you can tun the compressor by hand . Only if you have clear access and run the engine for only a very very short time.

Best of luck.