Ok...a little off topic but I know us diesel guys (or you diesel guys at least) are most knowlegable about everything Mercedes, so here it goes.

My friend just bought an 87 300E, sweet sounding engine, smooth transmission, with some odds and ends that need replacement. One being the power steering pump. He doesn't have a ton of money, I can do basic work, and we are both willing to learn to tackle new challenges. We need to put this pump in.

From what I have read, it's quite straight forward; remove upper rad hose, drain some coolant, remove all things blocking access to the pump. Then remove pulley, remove both hoses, and remove four retaining bolts. Hell, this sounds real easy. However, one thing scares the hell out of me; the belts.

My 300D has a belt for every function, a bunch of different sized belts. This 300E has one MASSIVE belt that goes around everything. My question is, how do I make sure there is proper tension on the power steering pulley after removing the belt? Is there an adjustment bracket like on my car, or does this "belt tensioner" I've read about handle this? I want to help him get this car on the road for minimum scratch, and I figure this would be a somewhat easy job for a few DIYers with some time on their hands.

Any help appreciated.

Regards,
Kyle

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1976 300D
190,000 Miles
Colorado Beige

1975 300D
Parts Car
78,000 Miles
Rustbucket
Also Colorado Beige

1984 190D 2.2 (Dad's)
156,000 miles
Champagne Metallic Clearcoat