AC Belt - am I screwed?
08-10-2015, 07:45 AM
#12
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So after spitballing the tensioner idea, I have a dumb question....
How is adding the tensioner going to help me get the belt on? Won't the belt be too short to make it to the crank pulley, and the a/c clutch with the added tensioner in place?
I searched around, and did find several people who added the tensioner to their 4.4's ..... but no one on the 4.8 - and no pics
How is adding the tensioner going to help me get the belt on? Won't the belt be too short to make it to the crank pulley, and the a/c clutch with the added tensioner in place?
I searched around, and did find several people who added the tensioner to their 4.4's ..... but no one on the 4.8 - and no pics
08-10-2015, 12:28 PM
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Stretch belts is another dumb idea by manufacturers. But, you have one. Get the tool and use it. I had to get a special tool for wife's X5 A/C stretch belt to the tune of $90. It worked. There may be cheaper ways, but there is no substitute for the right tool. Daughter's Mazda 3 has an A/C stretch belt too. The generic stretch belt tool works on that one.
08-10-2015, 12:51 PM
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Stretch belts is another dumb idea by manufacturers. But, you have one. Get the tool and use it. I had to get a special tool for wife's X5 A/C stretch belt to the tune of $90. It worked. There may be cheaper ways, but there is no substitute for the right tool. Daughter's Mazda 3 has an A/C stretch belt too. The generic stretch belt tool works on that one.
At this point, I'll just wait for my tool to show up. Then spend the 5minutes it takes to do the job [correctly] with the right tool. All the while cursing BMW, but praising this forum.
I live a contradictory existence. I'm used to it.
08-10-2015, 05:44 PM
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I totally agree with you. The bad part is that I have to wait a week for it to arrive. The car isn't very divable with no a/c in South Texas right (heat index is like 110!). So I was looking for an alternative way to get the belt on. It seems like enough peole have done the tensioner retrofit, but alas, no one has documented it for the 4.8L. I see a few people who say they did it, but it required a different part# from the serpentine pulley.
At this point, I'll just wait for my tool to show up. Then spend the 5minutes it takes to do the job [correctly] with the right tool. All the while cursing BMW, but praising this forum.
I live a contradictory existence. I'm used to it.
At this point, I'll just wait for my tool to show up. Then spend the 5minutes it takes to do the job [correctly] with the right tool. All the while cursing BMW, but praising this forum.
I live a contradictory existence. I'm used to it.
However, if feel you need to learn to fish, so to speak, and will be taking the belt on and off in the future then by all means get the tool or install the tensioner.
The tensioner for the AC belt is a different part number than the serpentine belt tensioner.
The AC belt to be used with the tensioner is also different (you are right it has to be longer to include the tensioner).
See this thread for part numbers and photos.
N62 A/C Belt Replacement- 2004 BMW 545i - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums
08-10-2015, 07:22 PM
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My Ride: 2004 545I
This is interesting. I actually have an extra tensioner! I bought one to replace my stripped out OEM one, but I was able to tension it enough to get it back on the drive belts.....so I have an extra one.
W
I'm going to see if I can get the A/C belt installed with my extra tensioner.
I did order this:
Amazon.com: CTA 3458 BMW A/C Belt Installation Tool: Automotive
I see it only lists 04-06 - but I looked at the crank pulley from both cars (online) and they look the same. Will this tool work for my 2010 550i?
But it won't be here until this weekend. No A/C until then, REALLY sucks in South Texas. I'm going to try and bolt up my extra tensioner.
W
I'm going to see if I can get the A/C belt installed with my extra tensioner.
I did order this:
Amazon.com: CTA 3458 BMW A/C Belt Installation Tool: Automotive
I see it only lists 04-06 - but I looked at the crank pulley from both cars (online) and they look the same. Will this tool work for my 2010 550i?
But it won't be here until this weekend. No A/C until then, REALLY sucks in South Texas. I'm going to try and bolt up my extra tensioner.
Which city are you from in South Texas? I just had the AC stretch belt replaced at a friends shop without the tool. Im in McAllen BTW
08-11-2015, 05:21 AM
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08-12-2015, 06:02 AM
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My Ride: 545i sport
Model Year: 2004
Stretch belts is another dumb idea by manufacturers. But, you have one. Get the tool and use it. I had to get a special tool for wife's X5 A/C stretch belt to the tune of $90. It worked. There may be cheaper ways, but there is no substitute for the right tool. Daughter's Mazda 3 has an A/C stretch belt too. The generic stretch belt tool works on that one.
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