Stuck in the middle of replacing my alternator (2005 4.8)

[blackbeast]

Originally Posted by trader4

The pulley on the alternator is not an "idler pulley". It's just a pulley.
The idler pulley is a separate part of the belt system and calling it that
is causing confusion.

You're completely right, my bad

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by blackbeast

You're completely right, my bad

Nice work getting it done. I was also surprised you were needing an impact to get that pully off. I've always done it with the T45 and a 10" 3/8 drive ratchet.

If it makes you feel any better... I've always referred to those pulleys as idlers as well. BMW calls them deflection pulleys, but anything not attached to a tensioner or main component (water pump, alternator, etc) I've always called an idler pulley. Wasn't confused at all by your posts.

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by trader4

Obviously you are confused. You say:

1 - I've always referred to those pulleys as idlers as well.

2 - but anything *not* attached to a tensioner or main component (water pump, alternator) I've always called an idler pulley.

The "pulley" we're talking about is attached to the alternator, so the
above does not compute. I agree with #2, and #1 then makes no sense.

It is attached to a mounting ear on the alternator yes, but it is not what I would call (or anyone I don't think) the "alternator pulley." That's what I meant. I guess I could have said any pulley that is not the main pulley on a component (water pump, alternator) or a tensioner I've called an idler pulley.

That clear it up?

[electricalserv x5]

while You are in there check the alternator bracket seal , see if You have a leaking, that is a more expensive job then the alternator ,it and could dump most of Your oil if it fails...............

[jopecasa]

Glad you got them sorted!

[crystalworks]

^Ahhh I see the confusion now then. Yes, you can indeed have the alternator out of the car with the idler attached on the N62 4.8 (and 4.4). As soon as he mentioned the T45 I figured that was the pulley he was referring to, as the main drive pulley comes off with a large socket (I forget the size).