Engine Drivetrain 1st Gen Cooper S Most liked posts in thread: Now I Know Why Belt Tensioner Stops Break...

That "ALTA Style" tensioner will not dampen anything or self adjust at all.

I would not recommend using it.

 

Is there room to mount one of these adjustable bad boys where the old damper sits? Pricey but pretty....

 

Or spend just $70.00 for the same part.

 

Unless one is vigilant with those manual tensioners they do nothing.

Neat idea, but in execution it just doesn't do the job for long at all.

 

I wish people would stop being cheap and try to re-invent the wheel.

Just buy the Gates 38404 Belt Tensioner from AMAZON its only $70.00. WTF Its the EXACT same part you get when you buy the OEM one from the Stealership parts counter for over $200.00.

I change mine every year (Spring) before the Dragon along with the Belt, Oil, Brake Fluid and a 4 wheel alignment and anything else that needs to be done.


Amazon.com: Gates 38404 Belt Tensioner: Automotive

 

Hmm...Let me think about this...

Would I rather change a tensioner for 70 bucks every now and then, or walnut shell blast my gunky valves periodically....

Decisions, decisions.........:devil:

 

Oh, now that looks like the one I have.

 

Moar info....



Different sizes... Maybe contact Ohlins USA
Others make steering dampers for motorcycles... Not all are adjustable... Ohlins is the good stuff...

On the Ohlins (my first picture), notice how the two heim joints (Rose Joints for Brits) can be adjusted.... Makes it easier for fitment... The one above is non adjustable on the joints but fully adjustable on the damping....

 

while I don't often agree with Dave. O, I certainly do in this case. I just had a conversation with Alain Lauziere about this. he has had no issues in 4-5 years of RACING R53's. preventative maintenance is your friend

 

My car has balls so I don't need to add nuts.:lol::ihih:

 

I guess I would rather have an assembly that doesn't need to be replaced on a regular basis simply because it has a poorly designed fairly cheap part on it.

 

Interesting thread. At 118,000 miles I'm due to change the original tensioner. I have one that I bought from the Amazonian's on the shelf. I'm not one who wants to reinvent the wheel either. Heck Dave O you could be selling slightly used tensioners on fleaBay for fun & profit. :smilewinkgrin:

 

Also listed as used by Mercedes...

 

Yes sir! Just did mine with some help.

 

Wow......I would not have thought about that kind of damage from that style of stop. I have the old solid type like that one from a vendor in Fla (forget the name). I will have to check and see if it has the same kind of wear potential. I did replace a bad tensioner at the same time so it will be interesting to see if I have the same problem.

 

I'm pretty amazed that the stop only lasted days. Guess the damper was beyond bad.

 

Well done on fabricating the manual tensioner... Kind of looks like a sway bar link....

Heh Heh.... Or maybe a rear MINI adjustable camber arm....

 

As the belt stretches, the tension is removed, the belt starts slipping... Then another manual adjustment is required... The process repeats...