How to UN-tension a Mercedes W124 belt?
Place a 15mm socket over the bolt on the tensioner (red arrow) and turn the socket clockwise. This will un-tension the belt. If you are replacing the belt you will need to follow the steps below.
How do you remove a clutch from a Mercedes Benz?
To remove the fan and clutch you will need Mercedes-Benz tool # 104 589 00 01 00 or you can make one out of 6mm rod. The lower part of the tool will sit in a retaining groove, while the end of the tool sits in a hole in the pulley to hold everything while tightening or loosening the bolt (red arrow).
What do you need to remove Mercedes W124 cooling fan?
You will need a short 8mm Allen to remove the viscous clutch on the fan. We ended up grinding an 8mm L-shaped Allen to fit in the space. You will also need Mercedes-Benz tool number 104 589 00 01 00 to stop the pulley the clutch is mounted to from spinning so you can remove the clutch.
How to remove clutch from Mercedes W124 Pelican?
The bolt that holds the clutch and fan on is quite long so be prepared to turn it for a while (red arrow). Wiggle the fan and clutch off the front of the pulley and remove it from the vehicle (red arrow). You can slip the belt off the front of the engine. This diagram illustrates the route the belt takes around the crank and accessories.
How do you Un tension a Mercedes Benz belt?
At this point you can release the tension on the belt and slip it off of the alternator pulley. Place a 15mm socket over the bolt on the tensioner (red arrow) and turn the socket clockwise. This will un-tension the belt. If you are replacing the belt you will need to follow the steps below.
To remove the fan and clutch you will need Mercedes-Benz tool # 104 589 00 01 00 or you can make one out of 6mm rod. The lower part of the tool will sit in a retaining groove, while the end of the tool sits in a hole in the pulley to hold everything while tightening or loosening the bolt (red arrow).
You will need a short 8mm Allen to remove the viscous clutch on the fan. We ended up grinding an 8mm L-shaped Allen to fit in the space. You will also need Mercedes-Benz tool number 104 589 00 01 00 to stop the pulley the clutch is mounted to from spinning so you can remove the clutch.
Can you replace the drive belt on a Mercedes Benz W124?
I recommend you buy two belts and always keep an extra one in the car. You don’t want to be stranded on the side of the road for the lack of a spare drive belt. Replacing the drive belt on the W124 is a very doable DIY; what it is not is as simple as doing it on and old Chevy.