How to replace AC stretch belt without bmw tool

cooa99 · Post by **cooa99** » Fri Jun 16, 2023 12:57 pm

Now that the weather is so hot, I need to replace my ac belt which I had to cut off a few moths back in order to replace the longer drive belt.
I bought a new AC stretch belt for BMW but could not get the damn thing on because the E53 diesel does not incorporate a pulley tensioner for the AC belt

Only thing I can see online to do is a bmw stretch belt tool only available in the US (ebay) for around £180.

Anyone installed the stretch belt easily on the Diesel engine?

The 2 indys close to me wont take the belt I bought so that means labour and a new belt from them.

I could take it to my local mechanic and happy to pay the labour cost. Question is would they be able to fit the belt on?. I am assuming that there are lost of cars with this type uneasy setup so they must be used to putting stretch belts on with special manufacturer tools

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Fri Jun 16, 2023 2:44 pm

Any good….? Less than £18….

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Laser-8331-Str ... 25&sr=8-18

cooa99 · Post by **cooa99** » Fri Jun 16, 2023 4:25 pm

X5Sport wrote: ↑Fri Jun 16, 2023 2:44 pm Any good….? Less than £18….

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Laser-8331-Str ... 25&sr=8-18

I have not tried this yet. But my understanding is that tool wont work because the other pulley can't be spun round. It can't take a ratchet

Leslie · Post by **Leslie** » Fri Jun 16, 2023 6:34 pm

Most modern cars now use stretch belts now so your mechanic will have done plenty ,I put the one on out focus with a piece of card and some washer tube (as I didnt have the tool then) with a slit in it to protect the belt from the outer rib of the pulley but as you say I could turn the engine with a ratchet.

Leslie · Post by **Leslie** » Fri Jun 16, 2023 7:00 pm

This looks like it and cheap enough (do your own checks )

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/274688001452 ... R8zj5NWYYg

cooa99 · Post by **cooa99** » Fri Jun 16, 2023 11:52 pm

Leslie wrote: ↑Fri Jun 16, 2023 7:00 pm This looks like it and cheap enough (do your own checks )

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/274688001452 ... R8zj5NWYYg

I actually bought that particular one. I convinced myself it would not work rather than trying due to the cold weather back a couple of months ago. I guess the weather is not hot enough for an attempt

Leslie · Post by **Leslie** » Sat Jun 17, 2023 2:56 pm

Get it on and see can't see why it wouldn't work as long as you turn engine in correct rotation.

The belt flipper tool should make it so much easier .

cooa99 · Post by **cooa99** » Wed Aug 16, 2023 2:41 pm

Leslie wrote: ↑Sat Jun 17, 2023 2:56 pm Get it on and see can't see why it wouldn't work as long as you turn engine in correct rotation. The belt flipper tool should make it so much easier .

The tool in your link and this
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lisle-59370-St ... B00AC60VEC

makes it an easy job to do underneath 5min!

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