So I recently purchased a 02 MCS and noticed a few noises the first didn't take long to figure out the throw out bearing not to worried with that will change it when the clutch goes. The next it a noise that I narrowed down to being a pulley on either the supercharger or an accessory now with out the tool to take the tension off the serpentine belt tensioner I have not messed with it and I am not going to take it to the dealership. So does anybody have any expereince with this and is there and alternative tool I could use to release the tension on the tensioner besides the over priced one I have been seeing. Thanks

 

If you plan on keeping the car for a while, the tool is worth the money. The Haynes manual also has a diagram on how to construct a simple and cheap tool.

 

In an emergency, and if you are VERY careful, you can release the tension with a pry bar. I only recommend this for a road-side emergency, but if you have to get it done (like a broken belt), you gotta get it done. It's most easily done with an assistant. Put a rag on the passenger's side crush tube (the frame of the car) and anchor your pry bar there, then carefully pry the tensioner pulley tward the back of the car until the second hole in the tensioner spring bracket shows. Lock it with a small screwdriver, pick tool or even a coat hanger, and you're off to the races.

 

I have a Haynes manual on the way and will take a look at there how to on making the tool. I will go from there and get the belt off and will try the idler pulley first along with a new belt.

 

Hope you are a good welder!! The tool is a pretty percise thing to construct, and it must be built of pretty strong bar-stock since the tension it must fight against is pretty high. It is well worth buying the 100$ tool, or borrow one from your local club/mini buddie for a six pack of cold ones.

 

You have to drill holes and use bolts on the one that Haynes shows to build. Still, the correct tool is the best bet if you plan on keeping the car for a while.

 

Once the book arrives I'll take a look at the tool it shows you how to make and if it looks like crap then I spring for the correct tool.