Has anyone posted instructions (measurements, etc.) for building the belt tensioner tool needed to release the tensioner spring? I'm planning on making one, to exercise my welding skills... such as they are - and figured I could design one once I have the covers off the MINI and can see what is required. But with all the chatter over the use (or not) of the tool, I did not actually find any posting of what one should look like, only a fuzzy picture on a web site of a place that will sell me one.

 

The specs have definitely been posted here before, several years ago. May have to wade through quite a few posts in a search though.

 

Most places sell them for $100, but one sit sells the fo about 45-59$. The bently manual is said to have a blueprint of sorts to make a tensioner. Hech, if you weld, it might take you 25 minutes to fab one.

 

ZippyNH, that's what I'm thinking. I got a piece of bar stock from Lowe's for $6. I just need to uncover the tensioner assembly to see what the tool needs to look like. And I figured that someone had already done the legwork. But no matter - how tough can it be?

 

BRB
Here ya go;
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...t+tensioner+to ol

 

The tolerances are pretty tight to make it work....about 1 mm or so, and the curved part might be tough to duplicate, not impossible, just depends on what your time is worth I guess!!
Lots lo local clubs have one that people share....check localy, it might save you the trouble!!

 

Norm03S, thanks for the link - exactly what I needed. Based on the reading, I can't do any worse, quality-wise, than the BMW OEM tool.

 

Thet have improved a-lot. The one I got from out motoring was welded steel....pretty good work too. They have come a long way. That being said, be sure it is pretty stout.....even the one I have flexes a bit when used, since the tensioner spring is pretty darn strong!!

 

Haynes pg 1.12

 

That is the main thing that would concern me about making one: the quality of the steel. I've made a few tools out of home-center bar stock. It's kinda weak stuff...