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Subject: Just did a belt replacement. Much easier than I thought it would be. (LONG) Author: rtrn2sndr : member since October, 2005 : 682 posts Posted on: 2006-09-11 01:50:29

I didn't even need to take off the fan!!
I replaced the main belt and the A/C belt. Done in 45 minutes.

I needed to be a little creative using my 1/2 and 3/8 ratchets... plus, I had to use some extenders and converters to fit in the tight spots, but after just a little bit of cussing, it's all done.

Taking it off was easy. First I loosened the two 13mm bolts on the main tensioner, removed the old belt from the pulleys and pulled it carefully over the fan and out it went.
Then, I got under the car, loosened the 13mm and 10mm bolts on the AC belt tensioner, and off it went.

Put on the new AC belt, add tension, tighten and voila. done #1.

The primary belt was a little trickier... I put it around the fan starting from the bottom of the car, had a friend grab it from up-top and put in on the flywheel. followed the diagram from TIS and snaked it around all the pulleys and here's where it started to get tricky.

You need to use quite a bit of force to create tension on the 17mm bolt of the main belt tensioner. After a few attempts with the ratchet, I couldnt get it because the second ratchet with the 13mm end, wouldnt fit in there... So, I ended up using a 17mm wrench on the bolt, and since I couldn't get a good enough grip to tighten it, I ran to my deck, took apart me table umbrella and used the pipe as leverage over the wrench. It worked like a charm
I was then able to quickly tighten the two 13mm bolts and the job was done. No fan removal. I can go return the $25 32mm wrench I just bought and done within 45 minutes. Amazingly simple.
As I'm doing this job, I keep on telling my friend who was watching me, "this can't be this easy, this can't be this easy". Well, it was.

Thanks for all the help guys. A special thanks to Todd (a.k.a Magnum).

-Alex

• Just did a belt replacement. Much easier than I thought it would be. (LONG) - rtrn2sndr 2006-09-11 01:50:29 (15240 views)
  • Here's my trick for putting on belt w/out fan removal. Also, I tighten the (url) - bmw635 2006-09-11 07:15:51 (2297 views)
  • Very nice writeup! Ill definetly be using it soon. (nt) - ED 2006-09-11 03:22:46 (525 views)
  • Here are a couple of pics (pic) - rtrn2sndr 2006-09-11 03:00:28 (2609 views)
    • Right in the middle of the street. This is my kinda guy! lol (pic) - ED 2006-09-11 03:21:40 (1212 views)
      • LOL... I actually did this on the street ifront of my uncle's house. My driveway - rtrn2sndr 2006-09-11 12:14:48 (482 views)
      • My neighbors would call the cops on me. lol (nt) - sdmike1 2006-09-11 03:30:30 (424 views)
        • ha. i avoid my neighbors when i work. Kinda akward lol - ED 2006-09-11 03:55:49 (374 views)
  • Awesome info, and congrats on a good job (nt) - sdmike1 2006-09-11 02:03:26 (379 views)