Recently had occasion to replace my Serpentine Poly V-Belt on my B180 CDI.
Discovered that with very restricted space to access and lock on to the Tensioner Pulley 15mm nut to slacken off and replace belt I needed a special long spanner. These are available from a German company but with postage cost is prohibitive to purchase from Australia and one only uses such tool very infrequently. I then accessed a U.K. website run by Bert Rowe (Lofty) primarily concerned with the 'A' Series models, and picked up the idea of making your own tool to carry out this job. I purchased a 600mm length of 15mm diameter steel and a 15mm ring spanner very cheaply, cutting the spanner in half and getting it welded locally to the end of the length of steel. I then slid the steel shaft into a plastic sleeves to make it easier on the hands, but plastic tape would do the same job. I will obviously use this tool again at some future date, however it could be useful for any member contemplating replacing the V-Belt on their "A" or "B" series Mercedes and saving some money doing it themselves and also in making the tool themselves.
Discovered that with very restricted space to access and lock on to the Tensioner Pulley 15mm nut to slacken off and replace belt I needed a special long spanner. These are available from a German company but with postage cost is prohibitive to purchase from Australia and one only uses such tool very infrequently. I then accessed a U.K. website run by Bert Rowe (Lofty) primarily concerned with the 'A' Series models, and picked up the idea of making your own tool to carry out this job. I purchased a 600mm length of 15mm diameter steel and a 15mm ring spanner very cheaply, cutting the spanner in half and getting it welded locally to the end of the length of steel. I then slid the steel shaft into a plastic sleeves to make it easier on the hands, but plastic tape would do the same job. I will obviously use this tool again at some future date, however it could be useful for any member contemplating replacing the V-Belt on their "A" or "B" series Mercedes and saving some money doing it themselves and also in making the tool themselves.
