Not sure if this goes here or under the how to section.

But I have read that the mini S's take a MINI tool to release the tension on the serpentine belt tensioner

Have not read anything about the base MINI needing this (I see they have different belts and different paths)


Does anyone know of a good tool or where to buy a base MINI serpentine belt TOOL?

Thanks

 

The R50 tensioner tool here is less than $50. I just got one about a month ago.
http://www.promini.com/product-exec/...earch_model/99

 

wow only $50 awsome

I see mini mania has them for $350 ???

whats up with that???

 

http://new.minimania.com/InvDetail.c...992&googlebase

 

$359.95 + shipping, actually

 

'cause it's Mini Mania. ...where the prices are insane. I got killed on shipping from them a few times, so I haven't ordered anything but teeny tiny small bits in probably 6 years now. Even shipping across the big lake I can find cheaper solutions elsewhere.

 

edited ..

 

Yes there is a tool for the R50, but there is also a 3/8 drive hole in the tensioner so a common belt tool kit, or even a 3/8 breaker bar can commonly get it without buying a tool.
Here is the belt for your car.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/oem-coo...rive-belt.html

Also for you in HI, let me know if you need any parts we have several customers there. We try to ship USPS flat rate to you so you don't get killed on shipping.

 

We used the tool from the local autozone when we did the belt on the R50 last year. I'd reccomend taking the wheel and liner off and putting the front on jackstands. Actually had to try it a few times because the gap is so small with the liner there, it's a few extra steps but made the work much easier.

 

I just changed mine, used a long bar to pry up the tensioner, very easy.

 

It's funny that the minimania one is so much... The tool straight from MINI is only $98!

 

To take the tension off the belt I used an insert for a 3/8 drive socket with the 3/8" square on one end, and a 9/16" hex on the other. These are used on sockets when space is tight, and be able to use a wrench to turn the socket. This will fit into the square hole in the tensioner. I used a 9/16 box end wrench on the hex of the insert to take the tension off the belt. To hold the tensioner I used a 3mm hex key. Worked great, and no extra tools to buy.

 

Hi,

I used an open ended Shimano Hollotech bottom bracket tool to lever the tensioner on my R50. No issues, but it did help to add a 12-inch loop of cord to the handle (rather than a length of pipe) for leverage and control.

http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-TL-FC3.../dp/B000C579LQ

 

The tool is about $86 in Genuine MINI right now.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/83300493979/

 

Same/similar tool on Amazon is less than $50. It works great and includes the necessary pin to retain the tensioner in the retracted position.

Al