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View Full Version : Worthwhile maintenance - DIY Belt replacement



Stock323iSaloon
17-04-2006, 09:56 PM
I wrote this DIY for aspiring DIYers as you can save lots of money this way, but most importantly, DIY is educational and fun! The previous owner said the belts were changed 46k ago so I thought I'd change them as a precaution. Pretty glad I did, as I was shocked to see the state of these belts... Anyway, I highly recommended this as part of your routine maintenance [ok

Tools you need
T50 torx bit
T25 torx bit
Philips -ve screwdriver
Pliers
2 new belts (8.50 from EuroCarParts)
20min of spare time

Before you start
*Car must be turned off
**Take note of how the belts are positioned (I sketched it)
***You do not need to put the car on a ramp etc.
****This is a DIY for my car and yours may vary!

Step by Step
1 - Remove 4 push-in expanding rivets with your pliers to free up the air intake cover
2 - Remove 1 x T25 screw from the LHS of the fan housing
3 - Remove 1 x push-in expanding rivet from the RHS of the fan housing
4 - Unplug fan power supply (lift up the fan housing and put it away)
5 - Remove the dust caps (2 of) from the tensioners using a philips (just pops off)
6 - Staring with the LHS tensioner (shorter belt), turn the tensioner bolt using the T50 bit CLOCKWISE about 1/2 turn. This will move the entire tensioner and the pressure will be released. Release belt, admire the cracks.
7 - Do the same for the RHS tensioner (longer belt). Admire more cracks.
8 - Replace the belts using the same method (must replace the RHS (longer) belt first)
9 - Before you start your engine, make sure the belts are seated correctly in each groove. Move the belts using your hands and make sure they move smoothly via the pulleys/tensioners.
10 - Reverse steps to replace all remaining bits
Happy motoring :D

Shuriken
17-04-2006, 10:24 PM
[ok Thanks for the write-up Mitsu, all I need now is a car with that engine, hehe.

Shuriken.

ps. Nice gloves.

Silver
17-04-2006, 10:35 PM
nice be doin that soon. (more like when i can b bother lol) great write up :D

Pimp-My-Ride
18-04-2006, 07:53 AM
Dude

Do all BM's have the belts installed as I was told when my car needed service that I dont need to change it has a chain rather then a belt. Is this correct, I have the 325 on the 2001 plate.

Stock323iSaloon
18-04-2006, 08:18 AM
Dude

Do all BM's have the belts installed as I was told when my car needed service that I dont need to change it has a chain rather then a belt. Is this correct, I have the 325 on the 2001 plate.
you're referring to the chain cambelt - these *apparently* do not need changing, but you still have 2 perishable rubber belts for power steering, alternator, water pump etc.