Oilhead V-belt not loosening - why?

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Hank Wong

Well-known member
I am trying to replace my 2001 BMW R1100RS poly V-belt. Loosened all three bolts but the belt does not slacken. Any oilhead mechanics out there know why? I bought the adjuster tool 12 3 551. Have not used it yet.
 
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Hank Wong

Well-known member
I figured it out. A hex nut on the left side used to ratchet the alternator up and down is exposed once the fairing is removed. The alternator didn't pivot down automatically because the ratchet mechanism is a little rusty.
 
steve888

steve888

Street Trials
Polybelt is cheap. You need to take the belt out to check the condition. Since it's out you mind as well put a new one in.
 
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Hank Wong

Well-known member
A pic does not show things clearly. Here is a description. The old belt is ten years old with 42K miles. It looks good, no cracks, no chips, and pliable. I even bent it some to look for cracks and found none. I will keep it under the seat as an emergency belt. On the web people report belts with 60, 80, even 100K. I also read reports belts broke with only 8K. IMHO, belts that broke with 8K may be tensioned too tight. If tensioned right with a torque wrench, i.e. not the twist the belt by hand guesstamation, a belt should breeze thru the BMW recommended 36K. Exactly how long to wait after 36K is anyone's guess. I wonder if an aging belt will fail quickly without signs. Automobile belts are made of the same stuff, right? I see auto belts with cracks and people keep using them. Guess the difference would be that auto belts are in plain sight and ours are hidden behind the cover for at least 6K.
 
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