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Thread: Mechanical belt tensioner pulley M50

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
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    Pennsylvania
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    Default Mechanical belt tensioner pulley M50

    Searched around, but not quite sure which pulley to get. My M50 has a mechanical tensioner, which has a little bit of play on the pulley. Today, while snooping around the hood I heard a very faint clicking noise. I took my long screw driver, and what do you know, its coming from the tensioner.

    I looked up the part number on realoem and typed it into Autohaus search and the description says that its for a hydraulic tensioner not a mechanical one.

    Part number 3:
    http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...47&hg=11&fg=18


    Autohaus website:
    https://www.autohausaz.com/search/pr...er=11281748131

    The belt is tensioned fine, so I do not see a reason to replace the tensioner. I have 115k on the engine. Is it possible to replace the pulley without removing the tensioner?

    TIA

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Posts
    235

    Default

    http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...31&hg=64&fg=50
    Quote Originally Posted by russiankid View Post
    Searched around, but not quite sure which pulley to get. My M50 has a mechanical tensioner, which has a little bit of play on the pulley. Today, while snooping around the hood I heard a very faint clicking noise. I took my long screw driver, and what do you know, its coming from the tensioner.

    I looked up the part number on realoem and typed it into Autohaus search and the description says that its for a hydraulic tensioner not a mechanical one.

    Part number 3:
    http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...47&hg=11&fg=18


    Autohaus website:
    https://www.autohausaz.com/search/pr...er=11281748131

    The belt is tensioned fine, so I do not see a reason to replace the tensioner. I have 115k on the engine. Is it possible to replace the pulley without removing the tensioner?

    TIA
    FYI - The hydraulic tensioner is used on the a/c belt
    http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...31&hg=64&fg=50
    And note the same pulley part number is used on both.....you should replace the whole mechanical tensioner unit.
    "Uncle" Phil C
    2011 Kia Optima EX-P.
    Former owner of a 95 525i 5spd. "The GQ" aka A Shark in sheeps clothing
    03 R1150RT 6spd. "DaRTth"
    00 R1100R 5spd. "LeRoy"

  3. #3
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    Aug 2008
    Location
    Pennsylvania
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    206

    Default

    Thanks for the reply. Is there anything that needs to be removed to get the unit out, besides the obvious fan and belt? I will most likely have the oil filter housing out when I replace this(new seals), so I should have extra room.

  4. #4
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    Apr 2006
    Location
    Chicago, Il. U.S.A.
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    Default

    This? #6
    http://bmwfans.info/original/E34/tou...1/ill-11_1499/
    No need to change anything besides the pulley/bearing.
    "The gas pedal wouldn't go to the floor if it weren't meant to be there"

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Pennsylvania
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    Default

    Yes number 6, but I have the mechanical tensioner, which doesn't have the hydraulic shock. However, the part numbers are the same, so I will just replace the pulley.

  6. #6
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    Jul 2006
    Location
    El Paso TX
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    Default

    replace the idler while you are at it... if not it will fail on you and leave you stranded somewhere with no belt.

  7. #7
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    Aug 2008
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    Pennsylvania
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    Default

    I already replaced the idler and the A/C pulley along with the shock.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Liverpool UK
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by russiankid View Post
    I already replaced the idler and the A/C pulley along with the shock.
    The Captain had the same thing on his pulley - it was making a terrible noise... Replaced the pulley, kept the tensioner and all is well months down the line.
    1995 XJR: 4.0L S/charged straight 6 Auto

    What... It's not broken??? I can still fix it

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Liverpool UK
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    1,536

    Default Just replace the pulley...

    Quote Originally Posted by e34.535i.sport View Post
    the Captain Had The Same Thing On His M50 Tensioner Pulley - It Was Making A Terrible Noise... Replaced The Pulley, Kept The Tensioner And All Is Well Months Down The Line.
    :d
    1995 XJR: 4.0L S/charged straight 6 Auto

    What... It's not broken??? I can still fix it

  10. #10
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    Aug 2008
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    Pennsylvania
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    Default

    I noticed today that I can only hear it if I listen for it. I am going to be ordering a new pulley tonight.

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