Alternator belt removal

[stolzy]

I followed Steptoes instructions and the book, even consulted Haynes.

But I'm suck at the bit where they all say:

and remove the alternator belt

How FFS!

The alternator is down as far as it will go and is sitting on the top of the engine.
I've been wrench the bloody thing with pliers and levers, but there is no way I can get it off, there simply isn't enough play.

What am I doing wrong?

 

[Paul G (BHT)]

I followed Steptoes instructions and the book, even consulted Haynes.

But I'm suck at the bit where they all say:

How FFS!

The alternator is down as far as it will go and is sitting on the top of the engine.
I've been wrench the bloody thing with pliers and levers, but there is no way I can get it off, there simply isn't enough play.

What am I doing wrong?

Maybe some one fitted an incorrect belt?

Offer up the new belt, if it looks to be slightly longer, just take the old one off with a stanley knife

 

[Steptoe]

Sounds like you have the later (short) type of belt set up. Big plastic type "cone" on the end of the alternator ?.

Turn the engine by hand and "persude" the belt to slide off the pulley.

To fit the new belt turn the engine and while sliding the new belt in place ( same as the 1200 models), very easy with the proper tool. But still do-able without the tool but use "softish" persuader.

Or do it with the engine running ( in no way am i suggesting you try this, if you do and you lose a finger(s) don't claim off me ) .

 

[stolzy]

The belt is the one it came out of Bavaria with.
New belt looks the same size as the installed one.

The end of the alternator pulley has a plastic cover (its got servo brakes), which I've removed, but even with levers, I'm not even close to getting the old belt off - I'm afraid to use too much force for fear of damaging one of the pulleys.

Not much sliding possible with the grooved belt/pulley

 

[Stewart H]

How about a piece of plastic milk carton, between the belt and a pulley, rotate to get it in, then the belt will be riding on the plastic rather than in the grooves a little strategically applied brute force and the job ought to be a goodun.

Stewart

 

[Carl]

Cut it off and put a longer belt on...

I seem to remember having a similar issue on mine, I think the belt fitted was a 595 and I replaced it with something like a 611... its been on there for about 20k without problems...

 

[Wrigsby1]

+1 for "softish" items in the pully while turning by hand. MY VW T4 has a seized steering pump and the pump belt has been on an off a time or 3 using a rather "hardish" screwdriver... Ways and means...

 

[Steptoe]

Not much sliding possible with the grooved belt/pulley

You slide it while the engine turns

 

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[Wrigsby1]

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That's the 1st time I've seen it honest

 

[Stewart H]

A genuine Tosser could probably do that at a red light

Stewart

 

[MattW]

I had the same problem getting the new belt on when I changed mine (old one came off ok after a fight but the new one wasn't happening).

Like Steptoe says, the secret is turning the engine while 'persuading' it. I put it in top gear and worked the engine round with the back wheel (I'd got the new belt just into the pulley). You might need to take the plugs out - I didn't - just forced it over compression. The same will work for getting the old belt off although you might need two people - one to turn the engine over, one levering the belt with something soft (or just pull at it with your hand).

Be careful of the hall sensor wires which run on top of the front cover, underneath the alternator (at least they do on my 1100) - it's possible to pinch them when levering things to get belts on and off.