The car is a 1996 BMW 318ti (M44 engine). I'm trying to replace the belt tensioner which, as far as I can tell, requires the power steering pulley to come off. I've got the three bolts out but the ps steering pulley isn't coming off. It's as if it's still attached or just stuck on there. Side note: I thought these came with plastic ps pulleys and this one is metal so I'm guessing it's an aftermarket replacement part. Is there something I'm missing or does it come off with proper application of force? I'm just skittish about breaking something.
The pulley in question:
Use a 3 jaw puller if you have one since it's an upgraded metal one. I tried that with the old plastic one and it broke in half.
Robbie
SuperDork
4/4/16 8:38 p.m.
Well, you can probably just remove the bolts to the pump and move it a bit to gain the access you need. (Leave the hoses connected so you don't have to mess with draining).
If you don't have a puller can you access the back with a hammer/rubber mallet? Tap tap twist, tap tap twist.
Ok, so all the usual methods. No one is saying "wait, you have to use a special magic BMW tool in a certain way or it will all shatter into tiny pieces" so I should be fine.
I would probably try a little heat on the pulley being careful to not heat the center shaft (don't want to damage seals) and see if that helped. Otherwise a puller.
Clean the center hub, squirt it with some penetrating oil and give the pulley a couple raps with a screw driver handle. Rock it and you pull. The center hub is dirty and causing what is already a snug fit to fight you.
