Looking from up under my passenger side into the side of the engine it appears to be some kind of shock just above the crank pulley. It is loose and at an idle it rattles. It has a bolt going into it on one side and it appears to have backed out some. Just wondering what this part was and what does it do. Oh by the way it's an 02 Supercharged 6 speed. Thanks!!!

 

I believe that is the belt tensioner.

Cheers!
Chris

 

That is definently what it is. Make sure you tighten it up before you drive it again.

 

Just confirming the previous two posts, its definitely your belt tensioner. Its purpose is to keep the correct tension on your belt, powering your supercharger, alternator, A/C compressor. If your tensioner lets go, there goes your belt, power and a good possibility of serious secondary damage.
Get it seen to immediately, its not something that will improve with time.

 

Ok I see the tensioner and it's silver and has a coil spring around it. This is right under it and is a small shock. (looks like the kind that holds the hood up) and it's loose on one end. Monday is oil change day so I'll tighten it then. Also is Mobil 1 5w30 ok? And what's a good filter? Thanks!

 

Ok, While looking on Way Motor Works I found out that my bushing is worn out on the shock for the tensioner. Can you just buy this shock?

 

Most MINI parts are 'bundled' for lack of a better term. For example, my throw out bearing went out. You can't just get a throw out bearing. (Not that you would take everything apart for that)

I would say that the tensioner comes as one unit. There are other, smarter folks here who may have better info or know with certainty.

The shock is worn out on my tensioner. Chad at Detroit Tuned diagnosed that there is no slippage and should last until I get my new pulley.

Since you are hearing noise, as others have said, there is slippage and that requires an immediate fix.

I hope it is not too painful or expensive.

Motor On!
Chris

 

Ok everyone, At Way Motor Works I found shock bushings for $42.00 to fix worn out bushings. I am just wondering if this shock rattles while the car is running would it be bad? I ordered a set of bushings to replace the one that out but it still makes me wonder if my shock is bad. My belt doesn't seem to be slipping. I guess I'll know when I get it off to fix it if it's bad or not.

 

i had an alta 15% sc pulley installed the other day on my 2006 MCSa, along with the alta tensior stop. everything went fine, but last night, i noticed at idle, there is a some rattling coming from the pulley area. when i put it drive or reverse, it gets a lot louder. is my belt tensior loose? or is it the tensior stop? at idle, the belt seemed to be turning fine, and the pulley was spinning very smoothly. i am going to record some video and post it up for you to hear.

any ideas???

 

i picked up a detroit tuned stop as i'm positive its the alta stop. going to the shop friday, and will update when i find out.

 

I have the same problem for a while too. Is there a way to fix it yourself?

 

the rattle was caused by the alta tensior stop. its worthless. i picked up the detroit tuned tensioner stop and now there is no more rattle! yea!

 

What size is that bolt on the tensioner my fell off?