Hi I have a Merc E220 1995; New to mercs so can someone please tell me whether the huge belt on the front is a timing belt or does this thing have a chain? I have a very bad rattle comming from what looks like a tensioner (mini shock absorber thing on the right hand side) the pulley to which it is connected also seems to move which I know it shouldn't and theres loads of water/coolant marks in the area. Can someone confirm that the tensioner and water pump is knakered and is it a relatively straight forward to replace? Thanks

 

without the belt, check which pulley got play and replace them.

pay more attention to water pump...must be loose already, bearing damage.

replace belt tensioner.