Can the belt tensioner be removed without jacking up the engine?
Would I access some of the bolts through the wheel well?

 

Yes, and yes. but you will need to remove the wheel and i recommend removing the wheel liner. Use a Jack Stand. give me a call if you need help or pointers, it should be easy.

Chad
Detroit Tuned.

 

Thanks Chad.
I don't have a belt tensioner tool and I thought this may be a way to change the belt. I saw in other old thread that someone removed the tensioner with without taking the tension off. Then once the tensioner was off they just pushed it down to compress the spring before reinstallation.

Is there enough clearance to get the tensioner out once it's unbolted?

 

I'd like to see a how-to from Chad about removing the tensioner without jacking the engine.
I just did mine today and couldn't get it out even with the engine jacked, it wasn't until I pulled the allen wrench to unlock it, was I able to remove it. Then it was in pieces so it was easy to remove.
Installing the new one was pretty easy, with the engine lifted.

 

you can pull the motor mount with a jack under for support if you need room for your meathooks .

 

The mount wasn't the problem, getting the pulley that is on the tensioner past the SC pulley is where I was having problems.
The easiest way to get it out is to keep it locked until it's all unbolted, then pull the pin and let it explode into a bunch of pieces. It will then come out no problem.
The new one kinda just slid right in there.

 

Would it have been possible to take the tensioner out down past the flywheel through the wheel well?

 

to date i have never had to jack the engine. i normally slide them out the back. i had one car that did give a fight and took it out in two pieces, but normally i leave it with the pin in and slide it in and out. on my car, i can change a tensioner in under 30 min. lots of room. each car is a bit different, i could see and auto S being hard as they are really tight.

 

I think you mean the damper, and I did try it. The damper was in the way of pulling it out the back. Maybe I didn't pivot it the right way.
Like Chad states, every car is a little different.

 

Well, i have replaced the tensioner with a new unit from Classic Mini.
Wasn't difficult and was able to accomplish this task without jacking up the engine.

Key point though - it really helps to have a small allen wrench in the spring keeper while removing and replacing this unit. Big help.

Rattling gone, smooth idle, good stuff!!