On my 1995 E36 M3 I may have put the main drive belt on backwards I was not thinking about direction when I put it back on. What are the signs of a backward belt and what are the consequences? I am hearing a slightly different sound now and it has me wondering. I suppose I will reverse it and see it the sound changes. I also replaced three pulleys when I did this thermostat change and the AC belt.
I never knew there was a direction for belts. Did you see an arrow on the belt? I have never seen a arrow on a belt for direction. As for odd sounds, that can be a new belt on an old tensioner and it is gripping it, thus spinning it normally. I would have a look at all the idler pulleys to see if one is bad. As a rule of thumb, I replace all the pulleys every second belt change or 8yrs/100k miles.
Darin
Current:
16 220i Active Tourer Platinsilver MET (C08)/Dakota Black (PDSW), P7ACA, P7LDA, P7LHA, P9BDA, 6sp Manual - Wife's new toy!
05 325it Electric Red(438)/Gray(N6TT) ZCW, ZSP 5sp Manual Back set cover, trunk mat, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield, and mud flaps! Mr. Wagon My new Winter car.
05 M3 Imolarot II(405)/Gray(N5TT) ZCW, ZPP 6sp Manual C.F. Lip, CSL diffuser, SSK, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield and a trunk liner! Mr. Go_Fast Stored for the Winter
Past:
95 318is Montreal Blue Met (297)/Beige(K1SN) RIP, killed by an Idiot.
84 M535i gray market Burgandy Rot Met/Black Leather Lowered by Intrax on bilies, poly everywhere, B&B cat back system, K&N, and a hitch! Da Beast - Still running w/400k+!
91 316i euro Tizianrot/Gray cloth - E-36 w/M-40 RIP, but great on gas! Best was 38 MPG
82 528i euro Saphire Blue Met/Blue Leather RIP
79 525 euro Green/Green RIP
79 318 Silver/Black - The first one that got it all started
M-Flight Member
Officially, you're supposed to install a USED belt in the same direction it was originally installed. A new belt can be fitted either way. Out of habit, I always install a belt so that I can read the writing on it.
Chris Powell
Racer and Instructor since, well. decades, ok?
Master Auto Tech, owner of German Motors of Aberdeen
BMWCCA 274412
German Motors is hiring ! https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...1#post30831471
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