BMW Service Tool 12 3 591

[stu1969]

Hello everybody.

(2008 R1200GS)

A simple question. The Haynes manual says this tool is required to refit the alternator belt. Can I get one, can I make one?

Oh, I’ve checked the internet, checked shops like Nippy Normans and done a search on this site etc.

Any help will be appreciated.

Regards

Stuart.

 

[skywalker]

You can order one off your dealer but you can fit a new belt using a large adjustable spanner to turn the crankshaft whilst easing the belt on. Take the main plugs out beforehand makes the job a whole lot easier. Belt change is every 24k or 6 years what ever occurs sooner.

 

[stu1969]

Only available from the dealers? Bugger.

Sure, easing the new belt over the pulley would work but risks damaging the new belt I thought.

 

[AberdeenAngus]

Only available from the dealers? Bugger.

Sure, easing the new belt over the pulley would work but risks damaging the new belt I thought.

Naaah, it'll be fine.

 

[Beemerman59]

I used a large flat handled wrench on the crankshaft end that kept the belt tight against the pulley as I turned it plus had the rear wheel in 6th gear which helped turn the engine (did this using my feet!). If I had had another pair of hands I would have been tempted to turn the engine on the button. I can't see this being any less stressful than using the proper tool. As said above, make sure the plugs are out. To get the old one off I used a piece of cut up plastic container about 8 inchs by 1 inch and slipped this between the belt and the upper pulley. Then I simply hooked it off quite easily.

 

[stu1969]

Cool, that's what i will do then

 

[drinkingparrot]

I tried twice and ripped the belt the first time, wasn't happy if the belt hadn't been nicked the second time, and so rang Jefferies up who supplied and fitted a new belt for £18, while I took a demonstrator for a spin. Its not worth the worry of loseing the alternator in the middle of nowhere cos you've nicked the belt where you cant see it for the price of a few beers, and the belt was garranteed for 2 years.

Oh and I've just remembered the belt's I damaged were from Nippy Normans as I remember, and were not BMW belts, which don't have the stretch in them to clear the pully. I suppose there okay on the GS models with the adjustable Alternator, but useless on the 1200's

 

[alex_rsa]

Having phsically done this twice (every 24000 miles) the only method that works is to push the belt on with your hands while you turn the back wheel (bike in 6th) with your foot. If you can find someone to physically turn the wheel for you even better. Be warned even with the plugs out the wheel is not easy to turn.

I have tried a big spanner on the crankshaft but just as you get to the "catch" point the spanner is forced off by the belt. I tried this for hours. Ironically I could get the old belt back on using this but not the new one.

Sherlocks (I think) sell a belt that is 3 mm longer which is (on slightly) easier to fit.

I found a demo on the internet using your hands and after 2 hours of trying with a spanner I had the belt on in 1 minute.

Try it, if you do not come right you will get the old belt back on quite easily.

 

[fizzer]

Naaah, it'll be fine.

i have been in the motor trade all my working life,this is a method used alot ,thumbs pushing the belt and turning a wheel,even on extream circumstances i have seen the starter just cranked to fick the belt on,as said it will be fine.

 

[Dave]

Great advice

This method worked real well. Thank you for the posting. It took me about two minutes with your advice. Cheers

 

[Hoff]

There's a U tube clip from Jim Von Baden which shows how easy it is to do.

 

[Bendy toy]

You could cut some poly milk bottle plastic and use that around the pulley, but easing the belt on with a spanner on the retaining nut has always worked for me.

 

[Deleted account 191119001]

Simple as this Pay attention to the orientation of the wrench. That is the what works in this method. Jim, thanks for this tip.