belt tensioner 1992 325i

[cruzinpapi]

what size wrench do i use to loose the belts?? its a 1992 325 i. Also when replacing the ignition coils do you need to disconnect battery before replacing and removing?

[Jeron]

The E36 belts are removed by sliding a hex wrench into the center of the tensioner pulley and applying pressure against the tensioner. To get to the hex center of the pulley you should have to remove a small cover. I used a paint can opener to remove the center but a small screwdriver should work too.

The best option is a hex socket, a socket wrech and a breaker bar to slip over the wrench. I think the hex size was 6mm or 7mm but it was definately one of my 6-10mm hex socket set.

Disconnecting the battery is recommended on practically all services, especially anything electrical. Make sure you know your radio code.

[cruzinpapi]

So i just need to apply pressure? not loosen? And your definatly sure its a socket size between 6mm-10mm? thanks for the quick reply.

[Jeron]

I positive on my 97 E36 M3. I just had my alternator belt off while replacing my oil filter housing. I did not however remove my A/C belt so it could be different but I doubt it.

According to my Bentley manual all E36 6-cylinders are the same. You will not have to loosen anything, just take of the cover and pry on the tensioner.

The longer the bar you have the better. I used my Craftsman 1/2 drive socket wrench and had trouble getting my belts back on but after I slipped my jack handle over the wrench I was able to get leverage to put the belt on easily. An assistant would be helpful but isn't necessary.

BTW the belt tensioners are hydraulic, like a small shock, so there are no screws to turn or tensions to set. You may want to note the path of the belt if you think you may have trouble. Also if you plan to reuse the belt you should replace it in the same direction of rotation.

[cruzinpapi]

ok so im prying the tensioner , now is that towards the engine or towards the front end or does it matter. And by prying you mean just wiggling it right. Im just trying to picture it in my head with a socket in there you dont have a lot of space to pry.

[Jeron]

Which belt?

For the inside belt (alternator and p/s) I was standing at the drivers side of the car pushing the bar toward the passenger side.

I'm going to go over it again incase I wasn't clear.

1) remove the cover that is in the center of the tensioner pulley
2) slide your hex prybar tool into the center of the tesioner pulley
3) pry the pulley away from the belt by compressing the hydraulic tensioner
4) the lossened belt will slip off while you hold the tensioner pulley in this pryed position

The is no wiggling. No tools will touch the belt, only your hands.

I think you are thinking you will be prying toward the front or rear of the car. You will actually be "prying" or pushing the breaker bar in parallel with the belt. Meaning you will move the bar toward the left or right not front or back.

I think pry is what is throwing you off but I cant think of another more descriptive term. Think of it was turning the pulley counter-clockwise with the breaker bar.

[cruzinpapi]

thankyou for such quick reply's!!!! O.K. just so im on the same page. I took off the cap on theres a hex bolt pretty big. is that the one. And your saying that i put what ever size socket 6mm-10mm and push towards the passenger side of the car or towards the driver side.

[Jeron]

Yes. When I say hex socket I mean you will need a hex key or special hex socket. This means a male hex socket not the typical female socket. The male hex socket will have a black hex stud protruding from it. If you aren't sure what I'm talking about you probably dont have one. Sorry I wasnt clear earlier on this.

The pulley should only move in one direction. Be careful not to let the bar slip and catch your fingers in the belt.

Goodluck, I'll be away for a few hours but back in the AM for sure.

[Jeron]

Guess I should have thought of this earlier but Pelican has a tech article on belt replacement.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/E36-Belt-Replacement/E36-Belt-Replacement.htm

You might be able to do this with a regular socket.