Aux belt removal technique?

[fixedgear]

I did a bit of search on this. Some say its a headlight and bumper off job, while others say 5min with a 15mm combi? Ive got to replace the bottom pulley as its whining like a mal-nourished dog. Ive ordered the pulley, I just need someone to tell me the easiest way to slip the belt off or slacken it at least, so i can swap the tensioner.

Its a Ph1 172

Many thanks!

Tom

 

[MATT BLACK]

Cut it off with a blade and fit a new belt - dont re-use the old one.

 

[fixedgear]

Its 3k old man! That doesnt help me get the new one on though!

 

[Dan@SJM]

8mm(iirc) sump plug socket. into the tensioner, and push towards the back of the engine bay, to remove it i lifted the engine up about 12inches

 

[Dan@SJM]

And replace the belt, its only £13!

 

[fixedgear]

Thanks for the tip!

Theres no point replacing the belt surely? Cost isnt an issue but its like new and has an auto tensioner?

 

[ChrisR]

Replace the belt, you don't know what damage you could cause when taking it off, and for £13 it's not breaking the bank

Alex at Carlton Garage told me it's a 30 min job.

 

[Jones]

If your bottom pulley is making noises surely its related to belt aswell, the old one could of been damaged.

 

[fixedgear]

Its the bearing within the pulley, it sounds like a skateboard bearing, its got wet and run dry. Im not changing the belt, as stubborn as that may seem!

 

[Dan@SJM]

just remember if it snaps it'll wrap itself around the bottom pully, jumping the cambelt and you'll need a new engine. for the sake of £13 its not reallt worth risking is it?

 

[paul_h172]

how do you know that it hasnt damaged the belt??

 

[Dan@SJM]

they dont usually damage the belt, it just makes a noise.

 

[fixedgear]

There won't be any damage to the belt, Its just bearing noise. I'm a little sceptical about the crank jogging mentioned but yes, if it needs changing I will but when I looked at it on monday it looked fine.

 

[Dan@SJM]

ive seen it happen! ask fred and BenR its 90% likely to happen when it snaps

 

[Day]

My bearing was changed without replacing/removing the belt* - Mike@Rentech did it in less than 15 minutes.

Whine has gone.

*Mainly because in 1 year it's on the third f**king belt!