Alternator tension bracket

Post Sat Sep 23, 2006 6:31 am

Hi all, I'm just in the process of doing a timing belt change on my 325i. Everything gone smoothly so far, the only problem I've encountered is that the toothed mounting bracket for the alternator is stripped. I've read elsewhere that it's fairly common to encounter this.
So my question is, will a normal bolt and nut be sufficient to keep enough tension on the alternator belt? Or will it be necessary to replace the stripped bracket? Has anyone come up with any other solutions?

Thanks in advance.

Post Sat Sep 23, 2006 6:37 am

Get the proper bracket mate, I can't see a normal nut and bolt holding it for long.

Post Sat Sep 23, 2006 9:52 am

This is fairly common damage, caused by "mechanics" who slacken the nut off too much and allow the pinion on the bolt to ride up on to the side of the rack.
It's just a typical BMW design to make servicing of E30s easier, bit it's not essential.
You can remove the parts and grind off the pinion teeth a bit so that they don't jam in the rack as you adjust the belt, and then just treat it like the adjuster you'll find on lesser makes of cars.
Done this a few times.

Post Sat Sep 23, 2006 10:43 am

Thanks Brian, I'll do that just to get the car back together, and after the weekend I'll drop into the dealer and see if they've got a new bracket on the shelf.

Post Sat Sep 23, 2006 1:23 pm

It'll be a near miracle if they've got one in stock. but give them 24 hours and they should have it.