attitude towards alternator belt

bimmer30 · 07-11-2011, 04:55 PM

so i got this other prob with my e30, but its not a fan motor prob
the alternator belt i got from bimmer specialist was replaced with original. However, after a few kilometres of driving her the belt break off. So i installed another one and it broke off again. After installing the belt there was some squeekyin for a second or two when turning engine on. This happened to me twice, so i installed back the original belt that came with the car and its perfect. Can someone tell me what the problem is?

E30M42cab · 07-11-2011, 05:50 PM

You tell us... did you put it on too tight, too loose? Cheap belt? Who made the belts that broke? Continental, Top Cog? Did you put it back on the wrong sprocket? I don't think it's as big of a deal as you think it might be.

bimmer30 · 07-11-2011, 07:11 PM

these were continental (two broke) they both squeeled on start up and a bit of driving like 2 seconds.

misschigga · 07-11-2011, 08:23 PM

We could start a club LOL
http://www.maxbimmer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=144130

E30M42cab · 07-11-2011, 10:35 PM

hmm... I've gotta do my alt belt too, and I've got a continental already to use as a replacement. Maybe they're just shitty belts?

misschigga · 07-12-2011, 06:49 AM

I just don't have the time to figure out what's wrong, I'm leaving this one to the Pro's. The car is going in for service on wednesday

InfiniteDice · 07-12-2011, 07:04 AM

I've used continental for many applications and have always found them to be reliable.

What was the belt deflection after you installed it? Are you sure you have it on the right pulley? There are more than one. Did you feel with your finger around all the pulleys to make sure there are no burrs or indents that could cut or burn the belt? I believe that the alternator belt is also the waterpump belt, as they are both essential. Are you sure you routed it right? look for a diagram online. Can you freely spin the alternator without the belt on it? Can you turn the water pump pulley without the belt on it?

Answer all these then let us know. These belts are ultra strong, and breaking after 2 seconds is not likely without another issue somewhere.

Ceeker · 07-12-2011, 08:17 AM

^ like he said...sounds VERY peculiar..