Replacing all V belts on W126 W123 Mercedes with OEM ones SD 480p

Here is a video about changing V belts on W126 but also other Mercedes cars, e.g. W123 etc. One myth I wanted to go after was if the genuine Benz belts are really so much more expensive. It turned out that that myth is busted - I got a full set of OEM belts from the Benz Classic Center (1-866-622-5277 or email [e-mail]) for pretty close to the same money that off brand belts would have cost. Included is a table that lists all belts for US Mercedes models. Being a MBCA member helps getting a parts discount which helps also.
The video covers replacing all belts and re-installing the new ones. The car featured had off brand belts installed that had started to squeal with around 30k miles on them. Alternator, AC, and power steering tensioning mechanisms were bottomed out to the max. Installing the OEM belts made a huge difference as they were shorter and thus all tensioning devices have a good half way more travel to go. They fit better in the pulleys and the running noise is minimal.

[@rexhvac]

Thank you for all your videos ! They are a big help for us.

[@straybenzes]

Glad it helps. All the best.

[@triggeraa]

Great video. Super helpful. I enjoy all your videos.

[@straybenzes]

Glad you liked this one.

[@muhabdu4175]

Be careful Sir ,sometimes when you tight the belts so much that damage the bearing and oil seal for the power steering and water pump. Good job 👏

[@straybenzes]

Thanks. Yup, that can happen.

[@chaseboles3105]

I’m to the part where I loosen the power steering pump, I couldn’t see which bolts to loosen so I loosened a 10mm that looks like it’s on the tension track and an Alan head that’s right above it, still no movement

[@straybenzes]

You are correct. There is a third one that is a little hidden, but that one needs to be loosened as well. Good luck.

[@alexandrebeinotti3359]

Allways great and helpful 🇧🇷. Tks

[@straybenzes]

Thank you, Sir.

[@michaellieuwalen5148]

Nice video😁,but what is that rattle at the startup of the engine??
My 420 SEL does the same crap sometimes🤷🏻‍♂️

[@straybenzes]

I do know that this car has one lifter that needs replacing eventually. Nice rattle, huh?

[@jacoe2159]

Thanks for a useful video. It looks as it is identical to late R107.
I dislike tight belts but never know how to adjust the belts.
Air pump: What happens if this is left out?

[@straybenzes]

I am with you on that. Belts must not be too tight as they can cause premature roller bearing failure etc. If you push on any of them and you have less than 1/8-1/4" deflection chances are that they are too tight.
Disconnecting the air pump will cause not passing emissions in some states. It only comes on with a cold engine and only for a short while to help heat up the cats. I have maintained mine in good condition and this thing does not draw any significant power at all. The older they get the greater the chance of its bearings to start going, but those are easy to replace.

[@RasSosa]

Thank you for another great video! Could you put the belt numbers in the comments area? Also, this same process can be used on the R107, no???

[@straybenzes]

All relevant belt numbers (and yes, the R107 had the same engines/ belts) can be found in the video. Here is the list: ruclips.net/video/rJ54IkT_ai0/видео.html
Good luck.

[@vintage76vipergreenBeetle]

👍

[@straybenzes]

Thank you!

[@kevinshephard1797]

My 126 does not have an air pump

[@straybenzes]

That is totally possible as there were a few iterations depending on the geographical region. Also, there have been many a "smog delete" actions by owners who have removed the air pump and other emissions equipment.

[@rubenhawkins6721]

Pᵣₒmₒˢᵐ

[@straybenzes]

?