Alternator belt replacement question

[awagnon]

I've replaced the alternator belt on my 2002 RT a couple of times and tightened it according to the 1/4 turn rule. I went to buy a belt for my 2004 1150R tonight and the certified BMW tech warned about using that same technique. I was aware that BMW changed belts after 7/2003. I thought the only difference was length. However, he said there is a difference is stretch which requires the use of a an adjusting gauge he showed me. It goes between the two pulleys and pushes the alternator upward with a pre-set force from a spring. He said that is the only way to reliably set the tension. Anyone know if that's true or is the 1/4 turn setting still OK? Thanks in advance for any advice.

[LotusJones]

I'm not entirely sure what your tech is talking about, but I just replaced my '04's last week. There's one bolt and 2 nuts holding the alternator in place. On the left side is an adjuster bolt (opposite the mounting nut), this will tension the belt. My Haynes manual says to torque this to 8Nm and hold it while you tighten the corresponding nut to lock it in place (then tighten the other mounting nut and bolt to fully secure the alternator ofcourse). It turned out to be pretty straightforward, just needed a smallish torque wrench. Hope that helps.
-LJ

[awagnon]

I'm not entirely sure what your tech is talking about, but I just replaced my '04's last week. There's one bolt and 2 nuts holding the alternator in place. On the left side is an adjuster bolt (opposite the mounting nut), this will tension the belt. My Haynes manual says to torque this to 8Nm and hold it while you tighten the corresponding nut to lock it in place (then tighten the other mounting nut and bolt to fully secure the alternator ofcourse). It turned out to be pretty straightforward, just needed a smallish torque wrench. Hope that helps.
-LJ

When was your bike actually made? Some 2004's have the old belt and some the new one. You can tell by the top pulley. If it has a visible nut holding it on, then I think it's the old style belt. The new ones just have a flat plate on the front of the pulley.