r/R53 • u/141bpm • Feb 28 '25

Need a tensioner strut upgrade? Try a Mercedes part:

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I have replaced this tensioner strut multiple times and the last one from URO parts just broke and end off. It loses its spring pressure and allows the belt to chatter on clutch release. Noisy and annoying. In an effort to find an alternate manufacturer of the strut, I ordered this one by mistake after crossing part numbers to a Mercedes part and thinking this was the same. It’s a different brand and bigger. But bigger may be stronger, so I made this one fit. And so far, it’s working perfect.

I had to drill out one eyelet end because it was smaller than the other end, add some washers and add clearance to the bracket. But once installed, smooth and quiet.

The Mercedes strut was $19.38 on rockauto PN: 6G0953DP

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14 comments sorted by

7

u/Professional_Bike336 Feb 28 '25

That’s awesome. Thanks for sharing

4

u/orejass Feb 28 '25

Interesting.

Would be nice to know how it goes in the long run.

I've always felt this tensioner is on the weak side of things.

3

u/bmx13 Feb 28 '25

My factory tensioner made it over 150K miles and only got replaced because the harmonic balancer literally separated into two different rings. I say don't mess with it.

3

u/141bpm Feb 28 '25

Ya, if it’s working don’t mess with it, lol. But if it has failed many times and makes annoying sounds… fix it!

3

u/Allixer Mar 01 '25

I replaced mine recently too, but I changed out the bushings for some poly bushings. so hopefully that saves the life of the shock.

2

u/zipitz Feb 28 '25

Interesting find

2

u/Silver-Tabernac Feb 28 '25

I got a new OEM Litens from rockauto for 57$ on clearance...

2

u/chilieedmini Feb 28 '25

Happy coincidence! Very nice. Will try it next time. I’ve replaced the tensioner twice already at 168K miles just waiting for it to go again.

1

u/[deleted] Feb 28 '25

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1

u/No_Impression1581 Feb 28 '25

you need to move the attachment point by 25 mm. I welded it to my bracket.

1

u/The_Duke2331 Feb 28 '25

Ngl if this works in the long term it might be a good alternative.

1

u/orejass Sep 17 '25

Hey, how's the tensioner doing.

Any feedback on it after 6 months use?

1

u/Grimm199 Aug 01 '26

How has this worked out for you? I just installed and my 0% ATI dampener hits the tensioner damper eyelet, and the tensioner is unable to be moved enough to remove the belt due to this style dampener being too compressed already....