BMW Serpentine - AC Belts Installed : Overview /// 330i (E46)

[fdetivi]

I replaced the iddler pulley and tensioner, new belts also..prob is now my power steering is stiff? Is there a belt adjuster(loosener) on a 2001 325i?

Or what could be the problem?

[e46gabe]

I did the exact same thing on my 330ci with the aluminum water pump pulley and now I'm getting a squeaking sound out of my belt? Have you had any problem of this sort?

[bimmersgarage]

@e46gabe

Gabe.. If you Only changed/refreshed the WP pulley and not any of the other pulleys then that's one of the issues, possible causes of the noise, because the new aluminum pulley is probably just slightly different in alignment to all your old plastic pulleys that's still on your cooling system. It is recommended by BMW that you refresh All pulleys at the same time. And, I suggest you follow their maintenance schedule/advise. PS: Your tensioner pulley's bearings are probably failed.

[rickzu]

nicely done!

[bimmersgarage]

@rickzu

After putting in the fresh belts and pulleys, everything just sounded quieter.

As it should.

[slik50000]

Question, I noticed in your video you said you removed radiator fluid and upper radiator hose. Is that necessary when changing belts? Also, do you have anything showing the removal and installation of the fan? I would like to be able to do my own maintenance on my 03 bmw 325CI as such. Also, with the other tensioners did you have to do the same by using your screwdriver to hold in place? Thx for your help. Great videos, I just have a few questions before I get into it. :) Justin

[bimmersgarage]

@slik50000

Glad my vids can help you.

no.. removing the upper rad. hose and draining coolant Was Not necessary (for belt changes). I did it because I was going to replace/refresh those anyways, so removing them just made for an easier and cleaner situation for me.

Yes, I do have a quick vid for the fan removal (and fan shroud), look at my other How-To videos. The installation would just be the reverse of the process.

Using the screwdriver helps if you need it. You don't have to, of course.