Water Pump & Generator belt change - easy?

tight access but easy enough.

 

check out this thread: and goto post #15
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/348-355-sponsored-bradan/397814-alternator-tensioner-bearing-failed-help.html?highlight=replace+355+alternator+belt

 

remove the bottom underbody panels.

loosen the large main bolt on the bottom of the belt tensioner (this allows you to loosen the tensioner adjustment bolt).

the belt tensioner adjustment bolt is a REVERSE thread....loosen / tighten belt adjustment is the opposite of what you expect.

the belt tensioner studs can be removed with a mini vise grips (but make sure you grab the stud next to the block so you won't damage the threads where the tensioner mounting nuts lock)......or use a double nut on the stud and unscrew.
remove the tensioner.

if you have a problem removing the belt from the alternator pulley you can remove the alternator mount bolts....leave the alternator in car and slide belt off/on.

the belt can either be slid from above or below with the help of a wooden dowel but all adjustments are from below the car.

the belt tension is set to snug....then start the car....if you hear alternator squeal then adjust in 1/2 turn increments till the squeal stops (it took me 2 attempts to get the adjustment right.....remember you don't want to over tighten the belt and damage the water pump bearing)

 

the belt will break in and loosen up a bit in a few weeks......if you get any squeals after startup just adjust the tension a 1/4 turn tighter.

plan to spend an hour on this .....take your time to save the skin on your knuckles.

 

This is the key statement below. Pay attention or you will break the pot metal bracket. Ask me how I know...

 

The sensible answers is: Why bother. If the timing belts are due it's unlikely there would be an issue with the other belts.

 

I was kind of wondering the same think. He's changing some belts because of the mileage on the odometer and then timing belts due to time later. I doubt there is 1 in a 100 that does the major service based on mileage. They all go by time, whatever they decided that time frame might be, but who would work off of both?

I'm sure the last time they did a timing belt "major service" on your dar they would have changed all the belts. It wouldn't make much sence not to change a $20 belt when the engine is out and you're doing the ill service. Just wait until next year when you do your major. Never worry about the odometer when you're doing majors based on time. Unless you suddenly start putting 15k miles a year on the car.

I guess what I'm trying to say with all that is ... It is almost unthinkable that they didnt change this belt at your last major service, meaning it is the same age as your timing belts. So if you're worried about this belt you should be worried about the timing belts and might as well do a major now.

 

I had my alternator belt fail about 18 months after the previous owner had the timing belts done and about 12 months into my ownership. I didn't see that belt mentioned on the invoice but it seems reasonable that it was replaced. Mine failed from the belt pulley bearing seizing up.

Make sure you note that the bolt on the bottom to loosen is REVERSE threaded as noted above. I didn't and snapped it in half. Had to wait for a replacement to come from NJ to complete the repair.

 

That's like saying you had a bumper failure after rear ending a truck.

 

Mine had a slight screech, which over time was followed by a burning rubber smell and a seized bearing. Something worth monitoring.