Serpentine belt replacement met with difficulty
 

Hi,

So my serpentine belt was last changed at 53k km in 2006. Now it has 103k and is pushing 8 years. I've been planning to change it (have the belt in the trunk for some time already). Today I got the tool to remove the viscous fan. Here's the problem:

The fan is out of the way, but the tensioner bolt just won't budge. I tried the belt-pulling method mentioned on Audipages, but I think that only stretches the belt (and I don't think it's a good idea anyway).

Is there another way to remove the belt, or should I go to the dealer and let them do the job? I'll go to the dealer tomorrow to buy an oil filter and wiper blades. I'll at least ask them how much they'd charge for it. Should I spray WD40?

If the tensioner was working correctly, pulling down the belt would easily move the tensioner roller through it's range.

PFL has a very different tensioner than FL model...PFL comes apart in components...FL is one assembly.

It might just need a clean and lube...pretty simple assembly that works or doesn't.

And this is a message to anyone posting questions here:

STATE THE YEAR, MODEL & COUNTRY OF YOUR CAR or better yet, ADD IT TO YOUR SIGNATURE.

I also think the tensioner isn't working properly, or maybe my ratchet is too short. I have only 13mm deep socket for 1/4" drive. I forgot that I also have an adapter for 1/2" breaker bar. I'll try that tomorrow.

Also, even if pulling the belt had moved the tensioner with the front end and the water hoses on I couldn't see clearly. All I saw is that if I pull from underneath the belt on the harmonic balancer moves a little bit (supposedly from stretching). With the front end on, I don't think I could find the slot to insert an Allen wrench.

Finally did it this afternoon with my newly-acquired 30" breaker bar.

the tensioner is not working properly, because when de-tensioned it stays at that position. After replacing the belt, I lubed it a little more and turned it back to the working position. Belt tension is good. Probably some rust.

Here's the old belt Attachment 82597

Here's the new
Attachment 82598

also changed motor oil with Liqui Moly Synthoil High Tech 5w40. dealer filter.

In my experience, normal (Continental) serp belts look like that already at only 10K miles...no loss of strength, but cracked ribs.

I now only use Dayco poly-rib belts...perfect after 30K miles on my D2.

Which part number for the Dayco? I've decided mine is probably due for a change as well.

This?:

Specs: Product Dimensions 22.7 x 4 x 0.8 inches

However, I'm always hesitant to trust Amazon's fitment guide.

On Partsgeek I found 7494-07008871 as the part number, but that's only specific to their website.

I bought mine at PartsGeek....and recently got one for my wife's AR through the local AutoZone for a similar price.