At idle a loud tapping type sound comes from the belt tensioner. If engine speed increases to 1000 RPM, the sound goes away. If I push on the spring facing the passenger side I strongly feel the vibration, if I push hard the sound goes away.
I'm thinking the spring is weak and needs replacement.
Upon further inspection, the belt tensioner damper (looks like mini shock absorber) is defective. It has lost it charge of oil or gas, since the piston moves quite freely.
Vehicle: 1985 500SEC, 1991 190E 2.6, bought 07/08 with 50k original miles.
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 10,522
They can be re build / re conditioned. The experts advise against after market tensioners, and recommend MB dealer only.
I tried an after market one, and threw it out when it stopped working properly after only a few month.
Have you tried a forum search?
Welcome, to take advantage of all the forum features, please make sure to read the 'Welcome to the Forum' tutorial sticky on top of the W126 page, as well as the two DIY stickies.
It will show how to search the forum (3 words min.), and has a link to the Russian MB site where you can run a VIN#. The forum archive has a wealth of information.
Cheers
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