Stock Problems/Issues Discussions related to warranty related issues and repairs, or other problems with the OEM parts and software for MINI Cooper (R50), Cabrio (R52), and Cooper S (R53) MINIs.

Belt tensioner on its way out?

Old Nov 1, 2021 | 01:58 PM
  #1  
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Belt tensioner on its way out?

Started hearing a chirping noise from the front of the engine while running, after popping the hood it seems like the belt tensioner is vibrating and moving a lot and seems like the noise is coming from there. Is it time to order a new belt tensioner assembly?

Video of the sound:

Replaced the idler pulley and supercharger pulley <15,000 miles ago.
 
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Old Nov 1, 2021 | 07:13 PM
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Probably. Yeah. Check that mount while your at it.
 
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Old Nov 2, 2021 | 09:18 AM
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I know I'm hard of hearing but that sounds as smooth as a sewing machine. In the last few seconds, you can see the tensioner spring and it doesn't appear to be vibrating much at all. Suggest you carefully use a mechanic's stethoscope or a wood dowel placed to your ear to better locate your problem...if there actually is one.
 
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Old Nov 2, 2021 | 10:21 AM
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Originally Posted by NC TRACKRAT
I know I'm hard of hearing but that sounds as smooth as a sewing machine. In the last few seconds, you can see the tensioner spring and it doesn't appear to be vibrating much at all. Suggest you carefully use a mechanic's stethoscope or a wood dowel placed to your ear to better locate your problem...if there actually is one.
I kind of see what you mean, I'll take a look again at the spring to check if its vibrating. However, in the video it seems like the metal bit that wraps around the top of S/C pulley is jumping around a bit and vibrating.
 
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Old Nov 2, 2021 | 08:10 PM
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it's normal for the tensioner to move some, that's part of the design. It doesn't look or sound worn out to me, but it's often hard to tell in video, and I can't really tell without pulling the tensioner, or at least the damper and seeing how freely it moves.
 
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