Belts? Something we can do or not?

[5280tunage]

Hey all,

Did a quick search in this forum and couldn't find anything easily. Curious, has anyone done a full belt refresh on this engine? Was just under doing an oil change today and notice both belts looked a bit worn. the AC belt is looking badly discolored, and the primary is looking a bit worn. I'm at about 67k miles. I've done many serpentines in the past and I believe I can see the tensioner for the main belt, but I don't see a tensioner on the AC at all. How does wone break the tension on this belt? to replace it? Or is this something better to have the stealer do?

To be clear, I don't mind doing the work if it's reasonably possible. These are the kinds of service items you can truly save yourself some money on.

Frustration part is that about 5k miles ago I had to have my phasers done again. You'd think the techs would have at least told me the belts looked pretty bad, would have happily had them do them then, they have to take at least one of them off regardless.

Thanks.

 

[kep5niner]

The AC belt is likely a stretch belt, where there is no tensioner. You will need a special tool, particularly for reinstalling the new belt.

 

[5280tunage]

The AC belt is likely a stretch belt, where there is no tensioner. You will need a special tool, particularly for reinstalling the new belt.

Thanks, I'll look around see what that looks like. It's all rust colored and just looks a bit old. I don't see any substantial cracking in the grooves on either belt but they just don't look good.

 

[BMW2FORD]

If you’ve done serpentine belts before, it’s not bad. The AC stretch belt is a little different.

On the main belt which is the firsts to take off, there’s a 15mm bolt that holds the tensioner pulley to its supporting bracket. Turn that bolt to the right and before the bolt tries to tighten, it will move the tensioner down removing tension from the belt. That pretty much the process to remove and install the main belt.

With the main belt off, the AC belt is the next and behind the main belt. Cutting off the old AC stretch belt with a razor or side cutters is best for removal. To install, place the main belt on the crank pulley and zip tie it through the windows on the crank pulley to hold it in place in about two or three spots. While it’s held, the engine has to be turned clockwise only (very important) by the center bolt in the crank dampener that you just zip tied the AC belt in place to. While turning, the AC belt has to be pushed and guided into the AC compressor. Once it starts to go on, then cut off the zip ties one at a time and keep turning until the belt is fully on both pulleys.

 

[5280tunage]

If you’ve done serpentine belts before, it’s not bad. The AC stretch belt is a little different.

On the main belt which is the firsts to take off, there’s a 15mm bolt that holds the tensioner pulley to its supporting bracket. Turn that bolt to the right and before the bolt tries to tighten, it will move the tensioner down removing tension from the belt. That pretty much the process to remove and install the main belt.

With the main belt off, the AC belt is the next and behind the main belt. Cutting off the old AC stretch belt with a razor or side cutters is best for removal. To install, place the main belt on the crank pulley and zip tie it through the windows on the crank pulley to hold it in place in about two or three spots. While it’s held, the engine has to be turned clockwise only (very important) by the center bolt in the crank dampener that you just zip tied the AC belt in place to. While turning, the AC belt has to be pushed and guided into the AC compressor. Once it starts to go on, then cut off the zip ties one at a time and keep turning until the belt is fully on both pulleys.

Thanks @BMW2FORD. This is an interesting process and I simply couldn't visualize this, had to see it. Luckily Google did it's thing and showed me this link: https://youtu.be/agjy2gWAJMk?si=FfSBDhnAfjbRYqcI. The tension part of this is no biggie, very similar to so many vehicles I've worked on. The zip tie thing was new to me. But looks easy enough. Now to find zip ties that don't fall apart before you even put them on!