DIY: Drive Belt Replacement
DIY: Drive Belt Replacement
Section titled “DIY: Drive Belt Replacement”The M54 uses a single serpentine belt that drives the alternator, power steering pump, A/C compressor, and water pump.
Parts Needed
Section titled “Parts Needed”- Serpentine belt: 6PK1538 (11 28 7 838 200)
- Optional: Belt tensioner and idler pulley
Procedure
Section titled “Procedure”- Note belt routing (diagram on fan shroud or take photo)
- Place 17mm wrench on belt tensioner bolt
- Rotate tensioner clockwise to release tension
- Slip belt off one pulley
- Slowly release tensioner
- Remove old belt completely
- Route new belt according to diagram
- Rotate tensioner again to slip belt over last pulley
- Verify belt is properly seated in all pulleys
- Start engine and verify belt tracks correctly
Tensioner and Idler Pulley
Section titled “Tensioner and Idler Pulley”Replace the tensioner and idler pulleys if:
- Belt squeals or chirps
- Tensioner arm wobbles or doesn’t spring back
- Idler pulley has play or roughness when spun
- Over 80,000 miles as preventive maintenance