I'm hoping for a little reach-out help here. I'm in the process of changing my belt and a pulley but can't seem to fabricate a tensioner tool. I'm hoping someone here in San Antonio can help with a loan; I'll be happy to rent it for a day.


Thanks!
Jim
210-Three Nine Two - 66 Seven One

 

Did you check your local auto parts store that rents out tools?

 

I just use a pry bar. No fabrication needed.

The first time was pretty hard to do since I couldn't figure out where to put the pin in to hold the tensioner. Now it's easy though. If you have a helping hand that makes it a little easier. You pull and they stick it in

 

I purchased a Haynes manual for my MiniCooper S and it has the dimensions of what you need to have fabricated...I can scan that page for you if you need it.

 

Trick: Cut a long straight piece out of a wire coat hanger. Fashion a loop at one end. While you've got the tensioner under compression, stick the coat hanger wire in the hole of the tensioner tab. Makes doing a one man job much easier.

 

That's a good idea, i always seem to grab something too short out of my toolbox to make it even harder on myself

But seriously, don't waste your time fabricating anything, just use a prybar. No need to overthink it, put the end of the bar anywhere in the middle of the tensioner, lever it against the top bolt of the supercharger and push down. Take a hanger and stick it in the hole, it's not that hard.

 

Well...I was gong to fabricate one, but didn't want to make a run over to my storage unit to get the parts.


I figured I'd put a 16mm socket on the "pivot bolt", it was a tight fit but it worked. I then used a bookshelf pin in one of the holes on the tensioner. I was trying to use a breaker bar but then realized I have a crowbar in the corner of the garage; probably the first time I've ever used that crowbar - haha! I used an allen key to lock the spring.


Whalla!!!!


Wasn't near as bad as I thought it would be.


All of this because the idler pulley bearing was toast, squeaking louder with RPMs...very embarrassing too! Yes, I changed the belt too.


Thanks for the input guys...

 

Glad you got it done. I used the DIY method the first time, but finally bought the tool as I had to help a friend and it's just easier/more secure.
I'm getting some squeaking in that area - goes away with WD-40. I figure that's the pulley going, but holding out until it makes more noise.