7 replies to this topic

[Cannoli]

I need to replace the serpentine belt in my 1999 JDM Rover Mini with factory A/C. It has a single belt, part number 5PK1013. Is there a way to replace the belt without taking the radiator out? 

[Ethel]

Not sure about the later cars but you might manage to walk it over the fan blades if you unbolt the top bracket & slacken the long bolt in bottom to tilt the shroud.

[Cannoli]

Not sure about the later cars but you might manage to walk it over the fan blades if you unbolt the top bracket & slacken the long bolt in bottom to tilt the shroud.

Thank you! Do I access the bottom bolt from the access hole behind the left front wheel or from under the car?

[Ethel]

Easiest is with the grille off, it should be a captive nut on the back.

 

 

....am I having a brain fart??? I remember it as shown in the actual photo (painted red). The line drawing, which is the same on all the parts sites, shows it the other way round. Anyways, it'll be easier threading the belt with the grille off & you'll get to see for yourself 

[Cannoli]

Easiest is with the grille off, it should be a captive nut on the back.

 

 

....am I having a brain fart??? I remember it as shown in the actual photo (painted red). The line drawing, which is the same on all the parts sites, shows it the other way round. Anyways, it'll be easier threading the belt with the grille off & you'll get to see for yourself 

Should I remove bolt 55 or 51 in that drawing to loosen the radiator for the belt replacement, or does it matter?

[Ethel]

51 is effectively a hinge pin, if it's not nipped up the radiator will till until something else stops it. The other bolts will allow some movement, 

[Cannoli]

51 is effectively a hinge pin, if it's not nipped up the radiator will till until something else stops it. The other bolts will allow some movement, 

Thank you for all the help. I'll be going after this one today and will report back. I definitely see the advantages of older Mini's open engine bays without all the "modern" JDM niceties.

[Cannoli]

I took the top hose off, the top radiator bracket off, and removed the bolt at the bottom of the radiator. This gave me enough space to walk the belt on through the fan blades. The entire process took less than an hour. Thank you for the help!!