Alternator Belt Install Tools

[Green Indian]

Got a 2004 RT and the Clymer manual suggest that special tools are needed to install a new alternator belt. I heard some where that a quick and cheap tool can me made to slip them on, anyone got a diagram or explanation? Thanks

Damon

[T__]

Damon, on the 1150 with elatomer belt I have always measured the distance between pulley’s then dropped the alternator,, installed the new belt & re-positioned the alternator back to (exactly) where it was.. Those 1150 elastomer belts are really tight when installing the first time..

 

On the 1200 hexhead I roll the elastomer belt on with a piece of plastic on the lower pulley (like an oil jug plastic) & a piece of wood to force the belt to stay on the plastic & roll onto the pulley as the pulley is rotated.. The plastic keeps the belt slightly above the pulley ribs & allows it to move fully on the pulley as the pulley rotates..

 

In an E-Mail with a fellow board member a few weeks ago I was told that he successfully used the roll on method on the 1150 with elastomer belt so that might be worth trying..

 

 

Twisty

 

 

[Green Indian]

Thanks Twisty, I'll try that approach.

[redzonerich]

Hey Twisty;

I'm going to be changing the alternator belt on my 2000RT for the first time and understand that my set-up is different than late model 1150RT's. I've heard that getting at the alternator adjuster bolt is a bitch. Is there some special trick of the trade that I should know about or is it a pretty straight-forward affair? Thx/rich

[Jim Moore]

Hey Twisty;

I'm going to be changing the alternator belt on my 2000RT for the first time and understand that my set-up is different than late model 1150RT's. I've heard that getting at the alternator adjuster bolt is a bitch. Is there some special trick of the trade that I should know about or is it a pretty straight-forward affair? Thx/rich

1. Big screwdriver under alternator.

2. Lift.

3. Tighten.

4. Celebrate.

[T__]

Hey Twisty;

I'm going to be changing the alternator belt on my 2000RT for the first time and understand that my set-up is different than late model 1150RT's. I've heard that getting at the alternator adjuster bolt is a bitch. Is there some special trick of the trade that I should know about or is it a pretty straight-forward affair? Thx/rich

 

Replacing the 1100 alternator belt can be fairly easy & straight forward or become a pain depending on how you go about it & basic mechanical abilities/tools..

 

 

First-- Remove the engine front cover bolts,, then remove the (shark fin) to get the front cover out.. You should probably also remove the L/H Tupperware (removing both sides makes it easier so see & work)..

 

Next-- loosen the three alternator bolts/nuts ,, there is one at the top of the alternator and one on either side that retain the alternator in place ..

Then squeeze the belt together or pull on the belt to force the alternator down as far as possible.. On the 1100 there will probably be a crankcase vent line that makes getting the belt off impossible,, if so remove that pipe/line so the belt will come off..

 

Next-- remove the old belt and slip the new belt on..

 

There is a special BMW tool to turn & torque the L/H lower alternator bolt (requires fuel tank removal also) but personally I just slip a big screwdriver (CAREFULLY) under the alternator (CAUTION: be real careful of any wiring running under there) then sort of pry/twist the screwdriver to (slowly) tighten the belt until you can just give the belt a 90° twist (kind of a touchy/feely thing)

Hold the alternator & belt tension in place,, then tighten the top bolt on the alternator.. Once the alternator is somewhat tightened in place torque all 3 retaining bolts (well the bottom 2 anyhow)..

 

Reinstall the vent pipe (if removed) then button it back up..

 

On a new belt I personally like to re-check the belt tension (90° twist again) at around 1000 miles or at the next service that has me near the belt area..

 

On the 1150 you can use a double nut or acorn nut on the L/H lower alternator bolt to turn the bolt from the front & move the alternator up & tension the belt.. I’m not sure if that will work on the 1100 (slightly different linking to the alternator case)..I have always used the large screwdriver method.. If someone has used the double nut or acorn nut procedure on the 1100 hopefully they will post hat here & let us know..

 

Lots of present 1100 owners on the site here so hopefully you will get some other hints & experiences on installing that belt..

 

 

Twisty

 

[flars]

"...use a double nut or acorn nut on the L/H lower alternator bolt to turn the bolt from the front & move the alternator up & tension the belt..."

That's what I do on my 1100RS

[redzonerich]

Thanks all, for the useful suggestions/tips!