DIY Belt Replacement

Photos


Figure A: New Belts


Figure B: Remove intake shroud


Figure C: Remove 2 wiring harnesses


Figure D: Remove screw


Figure E: Remove plastic rivet


Figure F: Radiator fan


Figure G: Make a diagram of belt routes.


Figure H: Remove dust caps


Figure I: Remove dust caps


Figure J: Remove belts


Figure K: Slip Belt off Pulleys

 

E46 Belt Replacement

These instructions are only a guide for replacing the A/C and the Water Pump / Alternator / Power Steering Pump belts. Please read through all the instructions before attempting to install on your own. I take no responsibilities for any inaccuracies or problems/damage /injuries you may encounter from using these instructions. Please consult your shop manual.

You should replace your belts when they are old and/ or start to develop cracks. My car has UUC Underdrive pulleys, so the Water Pump / Alternator / Power Steering Belt is longer then the OEM one.



Parts Needed
A/C Belt - 5PK X 863 (Part # 11281437450) (Figure A)
Water Pump / Alternator / Power Steering Pump Belt - 6PK X 1538 (Part # 11281706545)
(Check BMW for latest part #)

UUC Under Drive Pulley Belt (Water Pump / Alternator / Power Steering Pump Belt)
Gates 6PK X 1601 (Part # K060630) (Figure A)

Tools Needed
T-25 bit
T-50 bit
8mm allen socket
Screw Driver
Pliers

For Cars with Automatic Transmissions
You need Clutch Fan removal tools. This is not covered in this DIY

1. Remove intake shroud. 4 plastic expanding rivets. (Figure B) Note: newer cars only have 3.

2. Remove Radiator Fan. Discount the 2 wiring harnesses from the fan. (Figure C). Remove T-25 screw. (Figure D) Remove plastic expanding rivet (only on older cars). (Figure E)

Note: On Automatic Transmission cars, you need to remove the clutch fan at this point to be able to remove the radiator fan. This is not shown since I don't have an automatic. You need special tools for this section.

3. Removing belts from the engine. Draw a diagram of the belt routes. This will help you when you put the belts back on. (Figure G)

4. Remove caps from the belt tensioner pulleys. A/C belt tensioner pulley (Figure H) WP / Alt / PS belt tensioner pulley (Figure I)

5. Remove Belts. Start with outer belt (A/C Belt). Rotate Clock Wise to loosen tension on the belts. Use T-50 socket for A/C belt tensioner. (Figure J) Use 8mm Allen socket to relieve tension on the water pump / alternator / power steering pump belt. Slip belts off while relieving tension on the pulley (Figure K)

6. Reconnect everything in reverse order

©2005 sycE46