BMW Tensioner Pulley Removal : DIY [ How To ] /// 330i (E46)

[sunnyjason]

also can I ask whats the lower alternator bolt torque? I know the upper one for the idler pulley is 33ftlbs according to your other video.

[sunnyjason]

I am replacing my tensioner too. what kind of torque spec did you use?

[bimmersgarage]

@sunnyjason

Torque specs listed in the description.

[sunnyjason]

@bimmersgarage thank you.

[superstarmj1]

Thanks David!!!

[pbcalzad]

I need help in installing the automatic spring loaded tensioner for the compressor. Do you have a vid for that? THanks

[storkman]

I was told by technician on bimmerforums via phone that there are two types of pulleys depending on year/model of bmw.. hydraulic/mechanical, it appears the vid you have above is for an mechanical type pulley.

[bimmersgarage]

@storkman

The technician is correct - there are two completely different types of tensioner pulleys.. And, yes - mine is the mechanical unit.

[aleksankazakov]

the job was done in 40 min myself .

[aleksankazakov]

why do you have to replace the whole tensioner when you can just replace the pulley?

[bimmersgarage]

@aleksankazakov

The cost of the pulley was not that much different compared to the Whole tensioner, so it was simple to just replace with a completely fresh/new unit. That way you don't have to worry about it for another 8 years or 80K miles, whichever comes first.

[Kendallnselma]

hey bimmergarage will the process be the same for a 2003 BWM 745Li?

Thank You.

[MrCusmile]

thanks bimmersgarage for posting.

[bimmersgarage]

@MrCusmile

You're most welcome. Hope it helped you.

Play it forward and pass it on to your Bimmer associates.

[Fog37]

I was wondering... I don't have a BMW, but I do a Plymouth Grand Voyager 1999. I am changing the alternator on it, but my alt is mounted to a C bracket. I can't remove the alt until I get this C bracket off. I got all the bolts off everything so far, though there is the tensioner pully that's holding the C bracket. I'm thinking if I get the pully off, the bolts for the tensioner would be under that, correct?

[FierceIndian07]

i need to know how to remove my tensioner off my 92 gmc jimmy, any1 help?

[bimmersgarage]

@FierceIndian07

Thanks for asking..

But, you'll have to find and ask someone that specializes on a GMC.

[bimmersgarage]

@Thegarmandia

Another thing, if you route the serpentine belt incorrectly (or if the belt is cracked/worn) you could be getting squeaks from the area. Plus, if there is actual damage to the alternator pulley itself (due to misalignment or loose bolts) Do some visual inspections of the area.

[FierceIndian07]

@bimmersgarage wats a route?

[bimmersgarage]

@FierceIndian07

Es ist der Pfad für Ihre Band zu durchlaufen richtig. Danke.

[Thegarmendia]

Great videos man I'm always keeping up with them. So just to be sure the problematic pulleys which will make the sound are the tensioner and idler pulley can the alternator pulley do this noise also?

[bimmersgarage]

@Thegarmendia

That's the likely cause of the noises (in general), the alternator pulley is not likely, unless the bearings within the alternator unit is failed... But, if that's the case, you'll have more problems than just some irritating sounds under the hood.

[TEMMUGEE]

just a reminder that m56 pulleys is li'l bit different , use a t50 torx to remove pulley

[squarebomb20]

Subscribed! Excellent DIY. Thanks for posting these videos. The more info the better! Keep it up. I'll be checking out the rest of your videos later as I work on my car.

[bimmersgarage]

@squarebomb20

Glad you found the vids helpful.

I agree, so feel free to post your own video or photos of your repairs or fixes while you work on your vehicle also. The more videos you post, the better we all can benefit.

Keep it strong!

[hhemati]

Just wanted to know at how many pounds of torque is required to tighten back on the 13mm bolts? Thanks

[bugleboy154]

Great video! I used several of your videos when I switched out my pulleys and belts.

[bimmersgarage]

@bugleboy154

Thank you.

Yeah, I deliberately separated out the videos so it can be kept short and focused on the particular task. I'm glad to hear that they all helped.

[BMWJful]

I enjoyed your Video. I am about to try this on my BMW, I had a question though.

I found it wasn't very clear as how to release the tension on the tensioner pulley to get to the Second Bolt. Do you have any recommendations or insight as to how this is done? thank you.

[bimmersgarage]

Yes.. take a look at my - BMW Serpentine Belt Release : DIY vid.

And, thank you. Good luck.

[bimmersgarage]

@alp3

Cool.. Glad this helps you.

And, yeah that noise is very difficult to pin down with everything else running at the same time.

If you bring this problem to a dealership, they'll probably tell you it's your "power steering pump" or some other 'major" component... Take you to the cleaner.

Anyhow, let me know what you find out. Good luck.

[talonpilot]

Well, I think you took my comment wrong, but just to be clear, I am not the one trying to post DIY videos. I am trying to be informed by those that have.

If you dont want constructive criticisim about what I took from your video, thats fine, but if you go back and look at it (and time) how long you did that one particular demonstration, it had no "added value" to what you were trying to show.

Thanks for putting in the time to try. Next time I'll just move on to another video.

[bimmersgarage]

My videos from the start was to contribute (even a small amount of new insight) to some of the problems/issues experienced by many BMW owners. It's not meant to be all encompassing, more of an informational primer or just a courtesy heads-up on possible troubles while working on a particular part(s).

So, if you gain any useful knowledge from glancing at Any of my DIYs, then I am most pleased and you're welcome.

[talonpilot]

Dude, we get what its supposed to sound like. It seems over half of the video was you spinning the pulley, you did the same thing on the Idler Pulley video. It seems that you are headed in the right direction to make a good instructional video, but give me the "meat of the subject", not "fluff". Im watching these videos to be informed, not listen to it spin.....

[bimmersgarage]

Thanks for the comment.

Personally, I don't think most people really know what the pulley(s) suppose to sound like. I certainly didn't.

I believe that's why there are serveral vids on "what's that strange noise coming from the engine". This is mainly for reference.

So, if you have a more detailed DIY on this process, I highly encourage you to produce your own video(s) to share with the BMW community.

And, I'll be happy to comment on it.

[alp3]

Your DIY is spot on. I had a grinding noise from this area. It sounded from either the alternator, water pump or even the power steering area.

What I did was to remove the belt and spin the pulley while it's still in its place. At least this will confirm if I needed to replace it before removing and ordering a new part.

Thanks again!