Drivetrain Looking for some R53 tensioner testers
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
From: OBX, NC
All done!
What was left of my old dampener was removed.
I didn't lower the motor for install.
I knew i needed both bolts (see previous post for size request) and washers. I ended up using a tap and die set to figure out the sizes needed. Easy after that.
I used 2 Stainless steel 8mm x 1.25 x 1.5 in length, 2 washers to match, and a little blue Locktite. I did remove the passenger wheel and wheel well for easier access and more light. Its a tight fit, but still pretty easy to get in there. Just used an open ended and box 13mm wrench. The instructions provided were self explanatory and simple.
Here are some picts of the part and it installed.
Back on the road!
What was left of my old dampener was removed.
I didn't lower the motor for install.
I knew i needed both bolts (see previous post for size request) and washers. I ended up using a tap and die set to figure out the sizes needed. Easy after that.
I used 2 Stainless steel 8mm x 1.25 x 1.5 in length, 2 washers to match, and a little blue Locktite. I did remove the passenger wheel and wheel well for easier access and more light. Its a tight fit, but still pretty easy to get in there. Just used an open ended and box 13mm wrench. The instructions provided were self explanatory and simple.
Here are some picts of the part and it installed.
Back on the road!
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Plainfield, IN
With the trip to the hardware store included... About an hour and a half (give or take a beer)
Originally there is a vibration damper there. Is it just a NVH issue? Seems that any vibration the damper was meant to absorb would be transferred to the belt/pulleys. Any longevity issues with this?
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
From: OBX, NC
Install went good, about an hour. Thinking I need to adjust it though, getting some belt squeal at about 5k in 2nd gear.
Last edited by MYT MSE; Jul 31, 2012 at 05:14 AM. Reason: Picture was HUGE.
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
From: OBX, NC
BTW, old dampener, no strength at all. Good thing it's outta there.
Still got the diesel sound, but he's running strong, so not going to worry about that for now.
Still got the diesel sound, but he's running strong, so not going to worry about that for now.
Last edited by MYT MSE; Jul 31, 2012 at 05:29 AM.
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
From: OBX, NC
I followed your lead and opted not to lower the motor. Wasn't too difficult, just getting the bolts threaded in while on my back, with my hand twisted backwards was a pain, literally. Oh, and BTW, it was pushing 106 degrees in the garage, with the doors open and fan on. But I got it done.
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
From: OBX, NC
I just gave an update a week ago. Absolutely no issue after 3 months/3000 miles.
2005 MCS. Milltek exhaust, Stoptech big breaks, Alta intercooler, Alta 19% SC pulley, Alta lightened 0% crank pulley, Alta rear sway bar, HSport suspension
2005 MCS. Milltek exhaust, Stoptech big breaks, Alta intercooler, Alta 19% SC pulley, Alta lightened 0% crank pulley, Alta rear sway bar, HSport suspension
Interesting to know. I would have guessed the hydraulic dampener/spring was to compensate for belt stretch.
I am probably going to get one.
How tight are you guys installing? How do you know how tight is just right?
I am probably going to get one.
How tight are you guys installing? How do you know how tight is just right?
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,505
Likes: 25
Any more long term reviews? Feedback & opinions have been quite mixed on this. I know some have gone back to stock tensioner damper. Hope those could share their inputs to enlighten all & for Alta to look into, too. Thanks!
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,505
Likes: 25
Good to hear, any readjustments made in between? Just trying to draw users to chime in for some 1st hand info to support the perceived pros & cons to this fix. We need to find out if this is a worthy long term/permanent fix for a known weak link. Thanks!