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Ron Stygar Carl Buckland Dale Beuning Forums Help
From digest.v6.n746 Mon Jun 9 12:17:12 1997 Just finished changing out all of my original drive belts (3) on my 1992 318is. Total parts came to $42.15 (including the CCCA discount) from Tischer BMW in Silver Spring. I could have gotten cheaper belts from many of the local parts houses, but I figured if the Continental originals held up for 5 years and 79,000 miles, why screw with a good thing? Anyways, Im also certain that $42.15 can probably be beaten by the reputable parts suppliers that participate in this list (ie Steve at the Ultimate Garage or Mesa Performance Parts), but as my alternator belt was missing teeth (apparently manufactured in West Virginia...:-) ta-doom is this thing on?) I figured I needed to change 'em fast. Never changed belts before on anything, but I was willing to try. Glad I did, learned a bit, and it was fairly easy. Tips: First, remove the big plastic fan shroud. You will need the room. You will need to jack up the front end, preferably on Jackstands, both sides of course, so you can get to the serpentine belt and the water pump belt. The alternator belt is easier accessed from the hood. If you want to make it easier, you also can remove the airbox so that you can easily get to the alternator position adjusting screws. I opted not to remove the airbox, and it was tight, but do-able. Its as simple as loosening the star-type adjusting screws located near/for the water pump and alternator, and also loosening the serpentine belt tensioner. (located next to /under the a/c compressor..pop off the black plastic cap to reveal the tensioner bolt). Remove the belts, install new belts, adjust tension properly...not too tight, not too loose. And yes, the alternator belt easily slips over the fan blades...no need to remove the fan assy. The new belts have quieted down the tick/chatter that has been emanating from my engine compartment lately. Definitely quieter at idle now. Good Luck
Ron Browne |
