Hi all, I have a 04 mcs r53 and it has started a chatter under the hood. I traced it to the belt tensioner bouncing.

Does anyone have info/instructions on changing it out and how much time usually involved?

Thanks for your time in advance.

 

This is a good tech article on replacing the tensioner:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...eplacement.htm

I think this procedure is a bit of overkill; i seem to remember that you can change the tensioner without lifting the engine (correct me if i am wrong here folks!) I lifted the engine for the pulley change, but took the tensioner off at another time, and did it without messing with the motor mounts. Removing the wheel and inner fender is neccessary since it is a really tight space, and you need a belt removal tool (or some facsimile). Good luck. With the right tools, it is not that hard!

 

Here is another method to change the tensioner.

 

The video you posted; while great video, is showing how to change the timing chain tensioner not the auxillary belt tensioner. Just for clarification

 

You can save some money by buying your tensioner here.


If the tensioner is bad replace the idler pulley too. Have a good look at the crankshaft dampener. They all seem to check out about the same mileage. Off course a new belt goes without saying.

 

I had this happen to me with various tensioners. Of course mi Mini is a high mileage one. It started happening at around 125k and replced 2 of these tensioners for the next 5k miles. I decided to change the timing chain along with the chain guides and put in a new tensioner. So far I have 157k on my car, and it hasn't come back.

With that said, if it is a high mileage Mini I recommend changing all the timing chain components. As the video shows the rattle will eventually cause wear and tear on the timing chain guides after a while with all the vibration and erosion.

 

We have the Belt Tensioner here; Part # 11288620210 newest. And the powerflex version bushing are there also at the bottom as a replacement for the stock rubber bushings on the strut.

Hydraulic Belt Tensioner

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/11288620210/






Belt tensioner #1 in the diagarm.




Here is a good guide for replacing the serpentine belt which will help with the replacement of the belt tensioner and shows you the location.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...tine-belt.html


Thanks

 

Just an FYI, the tensioner that I listed at Amazon is the very same part as oem. Only very much cheaper.

 

Thanks for all the support. I have finished removing/installing the belt tensioner. I placed a jack under engine for support, removed upper motor mount, and removing the 4 bolts from the tensioner was easy. On installation, I had to remove p/s tire, plastic in wheel well to install 2 of the 4 screws, the other 2 from top side. Replaced belt on everything, then released tension onto belt from tensioner.