R53 MINI Cooper S serpentine belt tensioner tool

[sossol]

This is my V2 belt tensioner tool. I'll add a photo or separate post for V1.
This one is made from a one-size-fits-none "universal" belt tensioner tool; nuts and seat bracket from an E46 3 series; two stainless steel bolts; and a PowerKraft socket. I blued it just because I've never used bluing before. I like it a lot.
The curved seat bracket rests on the tensioner pivot mount, and the pins mate fit into holes on the tensioner pulley. A ratchet or breaker bar fits into the socket to lever the tensioner up. The pre-fab units are one piece, so take up a lot of space. This one takes up very little space, since there is no permanent handle. Plus, it was free.

[kbalch]

Thanks sossol! I've added your Belt Tensioner Tool to our Automotive and Metalworking categories, as well as to your builder page: sossol's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Belt Tensioner Tool by sossol

tags: socket, hand tools, welding

[DIYer]

Looks like a great handmade tool, sossol. Do you have a picture of it in use or how it would be used?

[sossol]

These photos were taken before I welded in the socket, but they show how it fits on the tensioner.


I can't find a photo of version 2 on the car, but here's version 1 on the car before I painted it. They fit in the same way, the difference being that V2 doesn't have a permanent handle taking up space in my tool chest.


Here's V1 after paint. The factory tool is flat steel, but of this design.

Yes, it's baby doll pink. I let my coworkers pick the color this time.