Labor time to change E53 AC & Alternator belts

Does anyone know a reasonable amount of labor time to replace the belts on and 2006 4.4 E53? Doe the radiator need to be removed?

45 minutes and the radiator doesn't have to be remove.

Originally Posted by mrbmwx5

45 minutes and the radiator doesn't have to be remove.

Thanks. Glad the radiator can stay in place.

I just did that myself. Radiator stays but you need to remove the plastic cover on top of the radiator, and the cooling fan.

Originally Posted by seeskan

I just did that myself. Radiator stays but you need to remove the plastic cover on top of the radiator, and the cooling fan.

Thanks. how long did it take you?

I am not a mechanic, I am slow and methodic! and it was my first time. I would say it took me 2 hours. If I do it again may be I will do it in 45 minutes.

I hope you have the correct tools to remove the clutch fan? Once removed, just remove the fan cowling and you should be good to go. Just loosed up the tension pulley(s) to remove each belt.

Simple task, just take you time and pay attention on the front main belt in how it's installed.

Regards,

Mud~

Fan clutch is a left hand thread so as you face the engine from the front, you will turn the wrench clockwise to loosen the fan clutch NOT "Lefty loosey".

There is no clutch on 2006 e53 4.4 . the fan is electric and not attached to the engine. It is clipped onto the rear of the radiator.

I guess Mudnyrey and I both have 3.0i engine and not the V8. Thanks for the correction. That should be a lot easier if you don't have to deal with the fan clutch.