No way that the A/c belt fits

[HarryPotter]

I had the same problem. I went into auto zone and told them to give me the next size up, STILL too small so I went one more step up and it fit perfectly.

Trust me, no mater what you do you are not getting the factory belt on. Not even by getting one small section on, its not happening, give up and find a bigger belt, any other method is just a waste of time.

I will try this generally autozone isn't half as bad as advanced and discount auto.

[Eric Giles]

The factory belt WILL fit-granted it won't just slip on, but with a bit of persuasion it will go on. You must loosen every mounting bolt where the compressor connects to the bracket and where the bracket connects to the block. You can then move the compressor to where the belt will go about halfway on, then you can pry it on the rest of the way.

Then again, I am using OE Contitech belts-who knows what you will get from one of the chain parts stores sometimes.

[agent]

I didn't have any success getting the Conti belt on by myself when I did my TB a few months ago, but I didn't try this:

Try loosening all of the bolts to the compressor to the point it is almost off (minus disconnecting the freon tubes), then sliding the belt over the pulley, holding it in place and then tightening everything else up.

I'll try that this weekend - thanks for the tip!

[agent]

I will try this generally autozone isn't half as bad as advanced and discount auto.

My experience with CarQuest has been better than the rest. If they or my local Advance can't help, I'll drive 15-25 miles out of my way and go to Napa or O'reilly to avoid having to deal with the AutoZone here.

[mxracerzero]

there is always a BMW dealership with normally a large parts department!

[Lyrred]

If u wanna get the belt on it will take some work, but it WILL fit. My experience taught me that u need to put it around the main pulley first (where the fan belt is connected, then fit the belt around those little round nobs in the front of the compressor. After u do that grab a flat head screw driver and a big enough wrench to turn the crankshaft screw? Or w.e that screw is named. The one that turns the engine. Make sure ur car isnt in gear (if u have a manual gearbox). Fit the flathead screwdriver underneath the belt and pry it on to the compressor pulley then start to turn the wrench in the appropriate direction. Keep turning until and progressing the screw driver in other parts of the belt so u can fit it all on. Once like 50% on, u can just keep turning the wrench and the belt will willingly go on the compressor. (it may seem hard to do, but it gets the job done).

[Raxe]

If u wanna get the belt on it will take some work, but it WILL fit. My experience taught me that u need to put it around the main pulley first (where the fan belt is connected, then fit the belt around those little round nobs in the front of the compressor. After u do that grab a flat head screw driver and a big enough wrench to turn the crankshaft screw? Or w.e that screw is named. The one that turns the engine. Make sure ur car isnt in gear (if u have a manual gearbox). Fit the flathead screwdriver underneath the belt and pry it on to the compressor pulley then start to turn the wrench in the appropriate direction. Keep turning until and progressing the screw driver in other parts of the belt so u can fit it all on. Once like 50% on, u can just keep turning the wrench and the belt will willingly go on the compressor. (it may seem hard to do, but it gets the job done).

This is how I do it... I think?

[HarryPotter]

I just bought a longer belt from autozone. A/c works great it still needs a bit more freon as it isn't as good during the hot florida day as it is in the evening or at night. Once it's past 7 pm it gets very cold. So happy though. First time owning a car with working aC in 4 years.

[dnova89]

It's not worth the hassle to go forth with getting the factory belt on. Just go to autozone, give them the belt, ask for the next size or two up, go home get the right belt on and return the rest, done. No arnold swarchenegger muscle required.

I tried the method of loosening the pulley and it still did not work, I really don't know how the hell anyone managed to get it on.