Is my Serpentine belt ok?

Mosaud1998 · 12-09-2020, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mainbearing

Yup! And the oil pan gasket? Mine is seeping a bit, I would probably do this but with RTV instead of another junk gasket:

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1180020

I got the oil pan gasket on my 328xi done for a little under $950 at my indy. It wasn't leaking badly, but they gave me a good deal so why not

masterh · 01-02-2021, 06:13 PM

I replaced it today. It was simple to do it except cleaning part.

While removing belt, I dropped those oil gunk on pulleys. I was going to clean front engine area anyways. I cleaned it with engine degreaser & dish soap numerous times and finished it with brake cleaner. You can also rub those oil residue while installing the belt so it's better to wipe areas around. Plus I cleaned (not dirty gloves) my hands before touching the belt.

I placed the belt in the middle of tensioner but as soon as engine started, it got pushed forward like in the picture. so I guess it is just how it is....

Here is a clear video instruction.

mainbearing · 01-03-2021, 03:08 PM

Did you use the new aluminum bolt that came with the INA tensioner (if that was what you used)? And turn the 90 degree angle?

Mine belt sat about 1 mm inward from the edge of the pulley. In the video (3:00) the engine was not started, and the belt sat further in.

Is your new belt hanging over the edge of the pulley again? It should not do that IMO.

bluewater328 · 01-03-2021, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by masterh

I replaced it today. It was simple to do it except cleaning part.

While removing belt, I dropped those oil gunk on pulleys. I was going to clean front engine area anyways. I cleaned it with engine degreaser & dish soap numerous times and finished it with brake cleaner. You can also rub those oil residue while installing the belt so it's better to wipe areas around. Plus I cleaned (not dirty gloves) my hands before touching the belt.

I placed the belt in the middle of tensioner but as soon as engine started, it got pushed forward like in the picture. so I guess it is just how it is....

Here is a clear video instruction.

If it makes you feel better, mine is the same way. Just replaced a few weeks ago with no issues to date. The grooves are really what determines the path, so as lob goes as you don't see fraying on the edge and the belt is actually "on" the tensioner, I think you're fine.

I will admit it almost seems like the tensioner needs a "washer/spacer" like the pulley comes with (which the belt looks very well centered on).

masterh · 01-05-2021, 12:08 AM

Yep. New bolt came with it. 18flbs plus 90 degree

It sits just right by the edge not over the edge. There are a lot more space in the back thats why I was trying to push it back to keep it in the middle but it goes right back.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mainbearing

Did you use the new aluminum bolt that came with the INA tensioner (if that was what you used)? And turn the 90 degree angle?

Mine belt sat about 1 mm inward from the edge of the pulley. In the video (3:00) the engine was not started, and the belt sat further in.

Is your new belt hanging over the edge of the pulley again? It should not do that IMO.

subframe · 03-21-2021, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mainbearing

Did you use the new aluminum bolt that came with the INA tensioner (if that was what you used)? And turn the 90 degree angle?

Mine belt sat about 1 mm inward from the edge of the pulley. In the video (3:00) the engine was not started, and the belt sat further in.

Is your new belt hanging over the edge of the pulley again? It should not do that IMO.

So, I changed my belt, tensioner, and idler (deflection) pulley 1 year ago. I used the kit that includes the INA tensioner and the conti-tech belt. I have the same situation--the belt sits right at the front edge of the tension rather than being centered. Interestingly, the belt is centered on the idler pulley. I am the original owner of this car and this is the first time the tension was replaced. With the original factory tensioner, the belt was centered on the pulley. So, I am thinking that the current stock of INA replacement tensioners are build to a slightly different spec than the original factory part on my 2006 325i.

blackwood · 06-22-2021, 04:13 PM

View post on imgur.com

I just replaced my tensioner / idler pulleys / belt and am having the same issue. My belt rides about 1 groove worth off toward the front. I thought it might have just been the Nappa belt, so I got the Conti, but it slips the same way.

The crazy squeaking is gone at least. Should I try a second new tensioner? Or is this just how the belt lines up now?

mapleleaf1773 · 06-22-2021, 04:35 PM

Let me ask you this - I assume you torqued the tensioner correctly (with new bolt) and idler pulley (obviously with new bolt)?

I'd double check that if the belt is riding "off toward the front"

blackwood · 06-22-2021, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mapleleaf1773

Let me ask you this - I assume you torqued the tensioner correctly (with new bolt) and idler pulley (obviously with new bolt)?

I'd double check that if the belt is riding "off toward the front"

These repairs (this, ofhg, and coolant flange) have been my first time using a torque wrench so I very well may have messed that up. I'll go ahead and double check the torque, thanks for the reply!

blackwood · 06-22-2021, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackwood

These repairs (this, ofhg, and coolant flange) have been my first time using a torque wrench so I very well may have messed that up. I'll go ahead and double check the torque, thanks for the reply!

Alright, just took out the fan again and re-torqued everything (tensioner 38 Nm, idler pulleys 56 Nm) and it's still spinning at the same spot.

Nothing looks wobbly or jiggly, has a great spin, just a little off on that one pulley.

RayLivingston · 06-22-2021, 07:27 PM

That little bit of overhang does not matter at all. Ignore it.

blackwood · 06-22-2021, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RayLivingston

That little bit of overhang does not matter at all. Ignore it.

Awesome, thanks Ray!

masterh · 06-23-2021, 04:33 AM

I think mine is too but its not urgent so i will just wait till i can do water pump &thermostat, motor mounts and do everything at once.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mainbearing

Yup! And the oil pan gasket? Mine is seeping a bit, I would probably do this but with RTV instead of another junk gasket:

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1180020

blackwood · 07-30-2024, 06:34 PM

Just replaced my ($30 Amazon) tensioner with an INA tensioner from FCP Euro for $91 and the belt lines up perfectly now. No more overhang at all.

01-02-2021, 06:13 PM	#24
masterh Second Lieutenant 66 Rep 291 Posts Drives: bmw 328i Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Los Angeles CA iTrader: (0)	I replaced it today. It was simple to do it except cleaning part. While removing belt, I dropped those oil gunk on pulleys. I was going to clean front engine area anyways. I cleaned it with engine degreaser & dish soap numerous times and finished it with brake cleaner. You can also rub those oil residue while installing the belt so it's better to wipe areas around. Plus I cleaned (not dirty gloves) my hands before touching the belt. I placed the belt in the middle of tensioner but as soon as engine started, it got pushed forward like in the picture. so I guess it is just how it is.... Here is a clear video instruction.
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01-03-2021, 03:08 PM	#25
mainbearing Lieutenant Colonel 1277 Rep 1,850 Posts Drives: BMW 328i Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: LA iTrader: (0)	Did you use the new aluminum bolt that came with the INA tensioner (if that was what you used)? And turn the 90 degree angle? Mine belt sat about 1 mm inward from the edge of the pulley. In the video (3:00) the engine was not started, and the belt sat further in. Is your new belt hanging over the edge of the pulley again? It should not do that IMO.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-22-2021, 04:13 PM	#29
blackwood Private First Class 75 Rep 123 Posts Drives: BMW 335i xDrive e92 6MT 2012 Join Date: Jun 2021 Location: Norman, OK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 335ix [9.90]	View post on imgur.com I just replaced my tensioner / idler pulleys / belt and am having the same issue. My belt rides about 1 groove worth off toward the front. I thought it might have just been the Nappa belt, so I got the Conti, but it slips the same way. The crazy squeaking is gone at least. Should I try a second new tensioner? Or is this just how the belt lines up now?
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06-22-2021, 04:35 PM	#30
mapleleaf1773 First Lieutenant 423 Rep 411 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 328i XDrive Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: West Virginia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 328i XDrive [0.00]	Let me ask you this - I assume you torqued the tensioner correctly (with new bolt) and idler pulley (obviously with new bolt)? I'd double check that if the belt is riding "off toward the front"
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06-22-2021, 07:27 PM	#33
RayLivingston Lieutenant 150 Rep 445 Posts Drives: '07 335i Sedan Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: California iTrader: (0)	That little bit of overhang does not matter at all. Ignore it.
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07-30-2024, 06:34 PM	#36
blackwood Private First Class 75 Rep 123 Posts Drives: BMW 335i xDrive e92 6MT 2012 Join Date: Jun 2021 Location: Norman, OK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 335ix [9.90]	Just replaced my ($30 Amazon) tensioner with an INA tensioner from FCP Euro for $91 and the belt lines up perfectly now. No more overhang at all. Last edited by blackwood; 07-31-2024 at 01:15 PM..
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