How do you get an alternator back in place?
You might have to wiggle the alternator around to squeeze it back into place in a crowded engine bay. Be sure to hold loose wires or the serpentine belt out of the way as you get it into place. Be careful not to trap any wiring behind the alternator as you slide it into place.
How do I loosen the bolts on my alternator?
Loosen the bolts on the alternator if there is no auto-tensioner. In cars without an auto-tensioner pulley, you can relieve the tension on the belt simply by loosening the two bolts that secure the alternator to the engine. These will often require a 14mm or 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) socket, though you may need to try others.
Do you need to remove serpentine belt to change alternator?
As you loosen the bolts, the alternator will slide in the bracket under the tension of the belt. You may not need to remove the serpentine or accessory belt if it’s not damaged.
Where is the alternator located on a BMW?
One of the nice things about the configuration of the BMW engine is the relative ease with which you can replace the alternator. The alternator is nestled neatly on the left side of the engine compartment and is easily accessible.
You might have to wiggle the alternator around to squeeze it back into place in a crowded engine bay. Be sure to hold loose wires or the serpentine belt out of the way as you get it into place. Be careful not to trap any wiring behind the alternator as you slide it into place.
What should be the deflection between the drive belt and alternator?
Vehicles with a manual tensioner or the belt tightens with the alternator, there should about ½ inch of deflection in the belt between the pulleys with the greatest distance between them. Once the alternator, drive belt, and electrical connections are reinstalled, scan the work area and make sure nothing has been overlooked.
Can a manual tensioner be used to replace an alternator?
The belt tensioner will only travel (swing) so far which can make installing the belt difficult. Never pry or force the belt onto the pulley. Vehicles with a manual tensioner or the belt tightens with the alternator, there should about ½ inch of deflection in the belt between the pulleys with the greatest distance between them. 7
As you loosen the bolts, the alternator will slide in the bracket under the tension of the belt. You may not need to remove the serpentine or accessory belt if it’s not damaged.
