James Trickett

I've just got back from France, and whilst over there my power steering went heavy and there was a burning rubber smell. Later that day it was fine so I decided to drive it back to the UK as normal. The power steering was intermittently heavy and the car temp was high at one point.

Despite this, I drove the 700 miles back no problem and after doing some research I'm thinking it's the serpentine belt, so I've ordered a new one and taking it down to my mates garage on Monday.

I understand that the belt drives the power steering, water pump and alternator so I'm sure I'm heading in the right direction, but want to make sure I cover all bases.

Question is, what else could it be other than a worn belt? I'm thinking it could be the crankshaft pulley. I've had a look and everything is spinning, although, it doesn't speed up with revs. Also wondering if it could be a tensioner, but don't want to replace everything if it's not necessary.

The car is a 2006 535d

Any help is much appreciated

ripley

Same thing happened to me.

It was the pulley.