2004 1150gsa Belt replacement question

Discussion in 'GS Boxers' started by mpillis, Jan 21, 2013.

  1. mpillis

    mpillis Been here awhile

    Joined:
    Sep 2, 2008
    Oddometer:
    518
    Location:
    Union, Ky.
    Bike has 37k miles. Pulled cover and belt looks fine. Would rather replace it now before problems. I have searched and found lot's of stuff on replacing belt on 1200 GS's but not on 1150. Can someone direct me to a video or procedure with pics on how to replace the alternator belt. Do I need to remove the tank? Of course the tank is full!
    Thanks for any and all help!!!
    #1
  2. 1reddawg

    1reddawg Long timer

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2005
    Oddometer:
    2,376
    Location:
    Monteagle Tenn.
    You do NOT Have to remove the gas tank.Its pretty straight forward once you get the cover off what i remember.Its been like 60,000 miles ago.:D
    Change Alternator Belt​
    Tools Parts
    T-handle hex – 4mm alternator belt
    socket – 13mm
    ratchet
    wrench – 13mm
    torque wrench
    1. Remove the four bolts holding the black plastic alternator belt cover at the front
    of the engine, 4mm T-handle hex.
    2. Remove the cover by sliding it straight down.
    3. Loosen the 2 nuts and 1 bolt, 13mm, that hold the alternator – one is on top
    and one is on each side, thus allowing the alternator to pivot down.
    4. Remove the old belt.
    5. Install the new belt being sure it is properly seated.
    6. BMW calls for a tensioning torque of 5.9 ft.lb. (8 Nm) on the adjuster bolt on
    the left side of the bike. You have to get at this bolt from the alternator side and
    you may have to lift the tank. Alternatively, you can pry the alternator up with a
    large screwdriver to tension the belt.
    7. Once the belt is under proper tension, tighten the 2 nuts and 1 bolt, 13mm, to
    15 ft.lb. (20 Nm).​
    8. Check the belt for proper tension (see above) and proper seating alignment.
    #2
  3. ElMartillo

    ElMartillo I See Faces...

    Joined:
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    No need to remove tank.

    I performed this procedure recently, followed these instructions compiled by Carl Kulow:

    http://advwisdom.hogranch.com/Wisdom/OilheadMaintenance.pdf

    If the above link does not work, go to the bottom of this page, click on "Hall of Wisdom", find "Oilhead Maintenance".

    This PDF file contains great information and photos of multiple maintanence procedures.

    Cheers :thumb
    #3
  4. mpillis

    mpillis Been here awhile

    Joined:
    Sep 2, 2008
    Oddometer:
    518
    Location:
    Union, Ky.
    Ok got the old belt off. Bought a new belt from Beemerboneyard and the numbers look different. The old belt was a #592 and new belt is 611 from a manufacturer Continental Contitech. So far unable to get new belt on. Actually when I was turning the crankshaft and getting part of belt on it felt like the engine raised up. felt this twice. Things that make you go hmmmmmm? Gonna research numbers but any help getting that damn belt back on is appreciated.
    #4
  5. ElMartillo

    ElMartillo I See Faces...

    Joined:
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    Oddometer:
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    Sounds like you have an incorrect replacement part. If the numbers are different, the parts are different.

    I believe there are different sized belts depending on options such as ABS. The local dealer originally gave me the wrong sized belt too. You'd think they would know enough to ask...

    At least you can put the old belt back on and ride until you get the correct part.

    Unlikely you're feeling the engine lift, unless the bike is rocking on the center stand.

    Cheers :thumbup
    #5
  6. def

    def Ginger th wonder dog

    Joined:
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    Oddometer:
    14,308
    Location:
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    The numbers on the belt denote the belt length. I would call BBY and read the numbers off the old belt and ask what they sent you.

    Continental is a German company that makes tires, hoses, belts and other similar automotive parts (sort of the German equivalent of Goodyear) and likely the OE supplier of the factory installed belt.

    As for installation, others will chime in...I am of no help....sorry.
    #6
  7. jsb223

    jsb223 ADV Rookie

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    May 18, 2006
    Oddometer:
    1,760
    Location:
    Waco, Texas USA
    didn't they change belt specs during the 2004 run?
    #7
  8. mouthfulloflake

    mouthfulloflake Not afraid

    Joined:
    Aug 21, 2008
    Oddometer:
    37,174
    Location:
    The Berkeley of Arkansas
    yeah I think the original you had was 592mm long, the replacement you got is 611.

    My 1995GS runs a 611mm belt.

    the 611mm belt should easily slip on in place of the shorter belt?
    if anything, the problem will be that there is not enough adjustment in the alternator moving "up" to tighten it enough.

    you did loosen the bolts for the alternator and let it drop down to remove the old belt right?
    #8
  9. Steptoe

    Steptoe steptoe

    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2004
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    3,690
    Location:
    london, England
    You've an 1150. You can use the 592 belt or the 611. They both fit and work the same.
    In fact the 611 belt is better to use on an 1150 ADV, due to the alternator being higher when tensioned allowing the link fuel line to be pulled through under the tank without any problems.
    Using the 592 belt means the alternator is lower, and a lot of times you can't pull the link pipe through.
    Which means if you ever need to remove the fuel tank you have to remove the alternator belt as well.

    Here's a "how to", it's been posted before. The pictures are of an 1100, but the 1150 is the same procedure but easier, as you don't have to remove the oil pipe shown in the pictures.


    Alternator belt change
    The pictures are taken with the fuel tank removed for better viewing and pictures, but you can do the job with the tank in situ .
    If you have crash bars fitted,and they have the bar running across the front of the engine, you have to remove the bar to get the plastic cover off.
    To remove the plastic alternator cover, undo the four bolts (4mm allen head), be careful and use a good fitting tool. There are two each side, and on the right hand side is an oil pipe ( just ignore it)
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    Slide the cover down, and to the right. And it’ll come out from the bottom

    [​IMG]
    The cover
    [​IMG]

    You need to undo the three 13mm hex head bolts/nuts.
    One each side, and one at the top.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    . I use a 13mm ring spanner
    [​IMG]
    On 1100 models, you have an oil breather pipe. Held in place with a 19mm hex bolt at the top, and a allen bolt at the bottom ( 6mm head)
    Here’s the pipe
    [​IMG]
    Undo the bolts, no oil will come out, and remove the pipe. 1150 models don’t have this pipe.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    Squeeze the belt together, and the alternator will drop down, allowing you to remove the belt.
    Some servo bikes have a plastic cover over the alternator pulley, this can get in the way, stopping the belt from coming off. Just pull the cover off.
    Servo alternator
    [​IMG]
    Put the new belt on , and tension it. The workshop manual shows the rear of the L/H side bolt being turned with a torque wrench. This raises the alternator, so you can tension the belt at the correct torque. Read the manual if you want to do it this way. And you must remove the tank to get at the rear of the bolt
    Where the bolt is located if adjusting the belt by the book.
    [​IMG]
    I raise the alternator with a small pry bar, but I know what tension the belt has to be, so use the official method of tensioning if you’ve never fitted a belt before.
    If using the bar under the alternator method, be careful of the ignition wire running underneath the alternator. If you trap this, you’ll sever the wires and the bike won’t start.
    Putting it all back is the reversal of the above .
    #9
  10. mpillis

    mpillis Been here awhile

    Joined:
    Sep 2, 2008
    Oddometer:
    518
    Location:
    Union, Ky.
    Thanks for all the help guys. I did call Beemerboneyard and gave him my vin and he told me it is the correct belt. Well, I had a DUH moment. Note to self and others: DO NOT try and install a belt that has been sitting in the garage when the temperature is 6 degrees outside. Warmed it up good with a hair dryer and it went on like butter.
    :clapAgain thanks guys.
    #10
  11. everycredit

    everycredit Been here awhile

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    May 14, 2012
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    272
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    Tacoma
    Wow, the guys are very generous today! :rofl

    If I had made the post, they would have referred me to the Hall of Wisdom.

    Then read the PDF under Oilhead Maintenance.

    Maybe you're prettier than I am. Actually, you probably are. :cry

    EDIT: I'm being sarcastic; I am happy that mission was accomplished!
    #11
  12. holckster

    holckster dougholck

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Lodi, Ca
    YES
    Check build date. I think June 03 and earlier require longer belt.

    I tried to use the short belt and was unable then to remove or replace the fuel crossover line.
    Not enought clearance between block and alternator.
    My 04 has 0503 (May 03) build date on forks.
    #12
  13. def

    def Ginger th wonder dog

    Joined:
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    Oddometer:
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    Location:
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    You guys in Washington state are lucky...you get to smoke all the salmon and marijuana you want.
    #13
  14. everycredit

    everycredit Been here awhile

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    May 14, 2012
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    I would recommend not doing that around the same time. :rofl

    Unfortunately, I have a job that falls under federal law. No dope for me. :cry

    But I can smoke all the salmon I want.
    #14
  15. Anorak

    Anorak Woolf Barnato Supporter

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    Jul 23, 2004
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    73,076
    Location:
    Petaluma
    Some 2004 models have a freewheel in the alternator pulley. The pulley has a black plastic cap in the middle. Here, read this.
    #15
  16. PETDOC

    PETDOC Long timer

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    Dec 28, 2002
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    Walland,TN
    You are correct. On US '04 GS's the belt size changed in the middle of the production cycle, which was calendar year 2003. In the rest of the world US '04 GS's are correctly labeled '03 models.
    #16
  17. def

    def Ginger th wonder dog

    Joined:
    Feb 28, 2004
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    Location:
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    I used to smoke salmon but it was hard to keep it lit.
    #17