Why you need a GTT tensioner limit stop and to change your belts

[Bhozar]

I was always unsure if a tensioner limit stop was really needed. Its one of those things that you dont really need unless something goes wrong. I had it fitted as a little bit of extra piece of mind a year ago when I had my GTT conversion done.

Quote:

Source: GTT The STD OE system relies on a small 'T' shaped twist at the end of the tensioner spring to prevent overtravel should the belt snap.

Went to change the belt and discovered the OEM limit stop 'T' had broken off from the tensioner spring. The only thing holding it together was the GTT limit stop and the belt.

Quote:

Source: GTT We would recommend a drive belt change once a year or every 12k miles (whichever the sooner).

Oops. BMW change it at 60k miles! I changed mine at 20k miles, which I did in a year. From now on I will change it at 12k miles. Its only £15 for a belt, and took 1/2 hour to change while chatting.

In summary I have to say thanks to GTT for making and fitting the tensioner limit stop, as it saved my pulleys and who-knows-what-else. I'm glad it was there, and it proved its worth.

I now consider it Bhozar tested and Bhozar approved

I suggest if you dont have one make sure you get one fitted soon, as that little OEM bit of flexy metal is no way going to stand against anything.

On the upside, now the belt isnt slipping I do expect to do better than the 14.5 1/4 mile I was running last month. I could really tell the difference in power with the new belt..

[Bhozar]

Can someone move this to the correct forum please. Its for the first gen Supercharged S'.

[DaFlake]

Done!

[Perm]

Hi,
Is there a guide to how to change the belt ?

Also how do you check the belt for damage ?


Many thanks

Perm

[DaFlake]

It is hard to check for a loose belt, but you can check it for wear. Look for cracks along the ribs and if it is squealing that is a sure sign that it is time for a change.

In order to change teh belt, you will need one of these...

Cooper S Belt Tensioner Tool :: induction :: speed :: 02-06 Cooper S :: Out Motoring : MINI Cooper Accessories ::

Simply take the pressure off the belt and slip it off and slide the new one on. Not hard at all.

[Bhozar]

You can check it its loose by looking at the OEM tensioners stop. The less of the hole you can see, the more you need to change your belt.


You can see in this picture that about half of the index hole is showing. If you see less than that you should replace the belt.

Mine had broken the stock tensioner bit off as ther belt was so loose.

[DaFlake]

Totally forgot about that thread on NAM. Thanks.

[Perm]

OK....
being a bit thick..... but where am I looking for the index hole ????

Thanks

Perm

[DaFlake]

If you look just above the spring, you will see a hole that is partly showing. The less of that little hole you see the more stretched your belt is.

[Bhozar]

Quote: Originally Posted by DaFlake (original)

Totally forgot about that thread on NAM. Thanks.

No problem. Rely useful pic, which is why I will now check it as part of my weekly bits I do on the car.