156 tensioner bearing protection

[t1grm]

A few weeks ago I lost the front under tray off my 156. I'm wasn't planning to replace it because it happened on my last one and I drove it for 2 years without one. From what I understand it's a well known weak point on 156's.

However, within a couple of weeks, three bearings on the accessories belt went (alternator, tensioner and something else). These have been replaced now but I noticed when the mechanic was putting the car back together that the pulleys and bearings on the lower part of the engine are completely exposed to the elements. There is no plastic belt guard like there is on the upper side.

Is this normal and if so, could the lack of a front under tray have accelerated the bearing failure through dirt and water getting into them? The car hasn't been fording flooded roads or anything like that, just regular surface spray plus the occasional big puddle. I would expect most of that to be deflected by the inner wheel arch.

Or is it just coincidence that the bearings went at the same time?

[t1grm]

Here's a pic of what my car looked like with the wheel off (pic found on internet - not my car). You can quite clearly see the exposed bearings and pulleys:

[DamienB]

I dare say most 156s have no undertray. Mind's had none since I bought it 5 years ago. No issues as a result.

[t1grm]

Thanks, I wonder if there is supposed to be an additional splash guard as part of the inner wheel arch that runs behind the suspension. I notice there are a couple of clips on the right hand side.

[wrinx]

There is supposed ot be a guard covering the area you're concerned with, it attaches to the undertray too.

wrinx

[t1grm]

Cheers, do you have a part num or diagram? I've gone through the work shop manual and can't see it. All I can see is a lower cam belt cover but that is to the left.