Tensioner pulley replacement

[sjeppell]

I recently changed the accessory belt on my 2006 530xi (N52 engine). I noticed a slight grinding noise when spinning the tensioner pulley which is more pronounced when it's under load. It looks like I can buy the pulley separately from the whole tensioner but there are no instructions in my Bentley Manual or that I can find online for changing just the pulley. The questions I have are: 1) is it recommended to pull the radiator fan to do this job? 2) what is the best way to remove the dust cap protecting the bolt that holds the pulley on the tensioner? 3) Is that bolt reverse threaded? 4) Is there a torque spec for placing that bolt?

If anybody's done this and you know of important issues that I haven't mentioned, I'd be thrilled to hear about them.

Thanks!

Steve

[bluptgm3]

Typically, the engine driven fan needs to be out of the way.
Standard thread, tighten by applying enough pressure to thread the belt over the pulley. The cap ‘pops’ off with the blade of small flat blade screw driver.

Best to have ‘extra’ attach bolt on hand.
On earlier cars, the bolt is for a hex-key, later are female torx.
Replace all the pulleys -Tensioners and idlers, in some cases the tensioner needs to be replaced and if it is the hydraulic type the hydraulic ‘gizmo’ is replaceable.

To select the proper parts, use your VIN (last seven) in www.realoem.com

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[White94RX]

Replace the whole tensioner assembly. I don't think the pulley is available separately, but even if it is, don't do it. The tensioner is a known failure point and has been responsible for destroying many, many engines. The tensioner fails, the belt comes off, and with the engine still running, the belt can get caught behind the crank pulley, pushed through the crank seal and into the engine, causing catastrophic failure.

[bluptgm3]

Replace the whole tensioner assembly. I don't think the pulley is available separately, but even if it is, don't do it. The tensioner is a known failure point and has been responsible for destroying many, many engines.

Looks like you are correct, Spring Tensioner w/non-replaceable pulley plus idler pulley.
Replace both.


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