Changing supercharger belt without service position?

[Acejam]

Has anyone been able to change the supercharger belt without putting their car into service position?

The GearWrench serpentine belt wrench that I got off Amazon is a bit too thick to fit onto the tensioner as it hits the radiator support. (Though it worked great during my dual pulley install)

I’m also curious what wrenches people are using. Perhaps I’ll pick up an extra long 16mm wrench too.

Wrench that I have: GearWrench 3680 Ratcheting Wrench Serpentine Belt Tool https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002WSFTO?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[RWD2quattro]

LOL, unless you have little hands like Marco... jk . I can't fit my hands in there, need service pos.

[MSq5]

On the Q5 3.0T I was able to both install the JHM 179 crank pulley and the larger belt. It was tight, but I don't think clearance between the pulleys and the radiator is any different. Any flat bar slim type tensioner tool should work. Be ready to slip a nail through the tendioner hole to lock it in place.

If you really have trouble you can simply unscrew the center bolt on the tensioner and remove it completely. Only that one bolt holds it. Then put it in a vise, rotate the spring and put a nail in to lock it. Should let you put the belt in place, tighten the center bolt, pull your nail and done.

I've done it both ways.

[Charles]

Has anyone been able to change the supercharger belt without putting their car into service position?

The GearWrench serpentine belt wrench that I got off Amazon is a bit too thick to fit onto the tensioner as it hits the radiator support. (Though it worked great during my dual pulley install)

I’m also curious what wrenches people are using. Perhaps I’ll pick up an extra long 16mm wrench too.

Wrench that I have: GearWrench 3680 Ratcheting Wrench Serpentine Belt Tool https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002WSFTO?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I got the gear wrench from Harbor Freight and used a crows foot. Was able to access the tensioner from the top that way. Couldn't do it with a socket.

[whiped]

Changing the belt without service position is easy, I've done it many times.

Changing the pulley is kind of a bitch but not impossible.

Best way I've found to changed the belt:
1. Lift up car and remove belly pan. (Ramps will do just fine or even a curb)
2. Remove old belt.
3. Using a stick hang the belt almost directly above the tension from above.
4. Get under the car and slide the belt around the crank pulley, tensioner and ideler.
5. Go above and using your belt wrench put tension on the tensioner pulley. While doing this slide it over the SC pulley.

Bam done.

My belt is pretty tight, you might be able to do the above by just putting the locking pin in the tensioner pulley sliding the belt over everything then removing it.

[Acejam]

Thanks for the comments everyone. Looks like I’ll have to find another wrench so I can do this without going into service position!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[chrisucf99]

It helps if you have two people. One under the car putting tension on the tensioner, the other up top pulling the belt over the pulley. Call a friend up and offer him a beer, you guys will make quick work of it.

[tar]

Thanks for the comments everyone. Looks like I’ll have to find another wrench so I can do this without going into service position!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Service position takes what 20-40mins and makes every thing easier its not like it's a massive job.

[whiped]

I have this belt wrench, it works pretty well for the SC pulley. Crank pulley is a little more annoying.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QKZP928/

[theweebabyseamus]

+1 to whiped

I bought a stupid wrench like that one for a one time job and it’s paid off many times.

[Acejam]

I have this belt wrench, it works pretty well for the SC pulley. Crank pulley is a little more annoying.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QKZP928/

Thanks for the link. This looks very close to what I have (link in the OP)

You’re able to use this without service position? Crows foot or socket? My challenge is that sockets included with mine are just a tad too tall to fit over the tensioner nut. And of course it comes with a 15mm crows foot and not a 16mm like we need. Perhaps I can just pick up a 16mm crows foot for mine.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[rtl5009]

You can do it. Need a serpentine belt wrench.

[infinkc]

I had a post on how I did it before from the top, I’ve taken it off and on many times from above.

Edit, was in my thermostat thread, but some links are dead now. Used a 16mm combination ratcheting gear wrench. That was the only wrench I found to get in there.
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...king-time-bomb!