Hi all,

I just did a 15% reduction pulley upgrade on my '03 MCS and had the belt tensioner off in the process. The hydraulic cylinder on the belt tensioner had no resistance to movement whatsoever, contrary to what one would expect with a dampner. Is this normal? What are the symptoms of needing replacement of this unit?

I searched for an answer to this but only came up with this thread:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-question.html

Thanks for your input.

Regards,

--Rich

 

I've got the same problem, if it is one. I was going to get a new tensioner just to make sure.

Might need to give Way a call, he's got free shiping going on right now.

 

The Tensioner is so easy to replace it makes sense to me to replace rather than take any chances, particularly if you do not have a tensioner limit strap or such installed.
No replacement part for just the damper, people have been checking for years. Just get a new Tensioner and feel better.

 

Thanks for the quick responses. Are people using the stock bit or the Gates replacement?

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=1301909

The Gates unit is 100 bones less...

--Rich

 

Woah replacing tensioner is easy?

 

Bumping this to see if anyone has any experience using the Gates belt tensioner...

Thx,

--Rich

 

Hi Rich,

I have a Gates tensioner assembly on mine and it works great.

Chad

 

How much was the Gates?

You can get the OEM one for around $140.

 

The Gates runs about $80. The cheapest I saw the stock unit was about $180...

 

Check with Classic or Morristown MINI they both offer real great prices on OEM stuff. Also check with Way Motor Works as he can get OEM stuff too.

Got mine from my dealer with club discount for $130

 

Buy the Gates unit. It IS identical to the oem. Then make SURE you replace the new bushings with some poly ones from Way and a "leash". As far as being "easy"~~You MUST replace the entire tensioner and THAT IS a "service mode" job; but definitely worthwhile. Since you're that far in' take advantage and check your damper / alt etc etc; make GOOD use of your time. OBEY (HI Rick)

 

No need to go into service mode. The tensioner can be replaced with or even w/o removing the wheel liner.

Definitely get some kind of tensioner stop.

 

Thanks for the input. I'll go with the Gates since I can still use the poly bushing I got from Way...ya'll saved me a phone call to Way to verify the bushings will fit.

I had the motor up already to fit the SC reduction pulley and that was when I found that the dampner on the tensioner was nothing more than a slide...put it back together to get the car back on the road, but will need to dive back in there to replace the tensioner now. I do have a stop fitted already...

Cheers,

--Rich