Is it absolutely necessary to get a supercharger pulley removing tool when switching out the pulleys? I mean, do I NEED one? Or is it more just suggested?

 

I bought the tool when I did my swap. i got the Alta one. Worked great.

You will need some sort of puller to remove the sc pulley.

 

I got one second-hand. It worked just fine. Probably worth the money not to get a raging headache trying to pull it off without it.

 

Depending on where you buy the pulley, you may be able to rent one from them. Alta, Helix and Craven will loan out a puller for free when you buy the pulley and give a deposit for the puller. MiniMania rents theirs for $1.

 

Thanks guys! Looks like I'll be snagging one...

 

Definitely the right choice. If you follow any of the "pulley problems" threads you will always find A)someone who has attempted the install without the pulley removal tool or B)someone who has used the puller incorrectly.

 

Have done it with a "claw" type puller, and it was VERY scary and dicey.... would never recommend others to try that...

 

FYI: the shop that was working on my supercharger replacement screwed up the original pulley on a MINI rebuilt s/c, now the dealer returned it.

Is the lesson here that once the original factory pressed-on pulley is touched, that s/c is not warranteeable?