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[JamesV6CDX]

The size you will be sold is 6Pk2020

They are, in my opinion, just a tad too tight. Indeed some pattern ones seem to strain the tensioner / max it out, which causes undue wear and noise from the aux belt

I have found a great workaround is to ask for a 6pk2050 belt instead. The extra 3cm on the belt makes all the difference, the tensioner sits nice and centrally, and it is much less strained/quieter (but still plenty taught enough, and properly tensioned)

Just my tuppence worth...

[MV6Gaz]

Just about to replace mine, sounds like a useful tip, take it I should replace the tensioner at the same time?
Is there a recommended time/mileage schedule for replacement,and guess its worth carrying a spare?

http://www.mister-auto.co.uk/en/drive-belt/contitech-6pk2050_g305_a0316PK2050.html

[Andy B]

.....,and guess its worth carrying a spare?

Put the old one in the boot 

[Diamond Black Geezer]

Can't report on the 'book' time to replace the tensioner, however I felt there was a slight 'grumble' from my tensioner. Got one from a scrappy which span on my finger for 26 seconds. Took the old one off, and it span for....half a turn. 

So worth testing your tensioner whilst off - see how long it spins for and let us know. Swapping the whole belt over can be a bit of a faff, but if, at a later date you swap the tensioner over, that's really straightforward, as the belt's already correctly 'plumbed in' and nothing else needs to come off. 

[Marks DTM Calib]

Cant see how a tensioner which is towards the end of its adjustment will be under any additional strain given its a clock spring type unit which applies a constant force over the full adjustment range (by design) 

[Marks DTM Calib]

Can't report on the 'book' time to replace the tensioner, however I felt there was a slight 'grumble' from my tensioner. Got one from a scrappy which span on my finger for 26 seconds. Took the old one off, and it span for....half a turn. 

So worth testing your tensioner whilst off - see how long it spins for and let us know. Swapping the whole belt over can be a bit of a faff, but if, at a later date you swap the tensioner over, that's really straightforward, as the belt's already correctly 'plumbed in' and nothing else needs to come off. 

Not a good test so beware, the tensioner pulley bearing should have some grease in it, if it spins for any length of time there will be none left! 

You should rotate it and feel for roughness in the race and listen for noise.

[Diamond Black Geezer]

Ah, fair enough Mark,  To add to my previous post - the tensioner that came off sounded like a snoring pig "ruhruh...ruhruhhh..."with the odd grindy crunch... also you could feel points where it almost jammed. The new one is smooth and makes no noise.

May end up buying a brand new one which will then allow me a side-to-side comparison.

[MV6Gaz]

.....,and guess its worth carrying a spare?

Put the old one in the boot 

Thanks but it is visible cracked so I have 2 coming via eBay for 26 quid, brand is Merle, made in Germany so hope quality is ok!
Will update on tensioner condition when job gets done, thanks to all for info guys

[Nick W]

The tensioner is a long-lasting, reliable part whose life can be extended by occasional simple maintenance.

Or, if you're really worried about it, a new one is cost effective and is likely to last as long as the rest of the car.

Anyone who is paranoid enough to want a spare in the car should buy and fit a new one NOW and then worry about something important.

[Marks DTM Calib]

Ah, fair enough Mark,  To add to my previous post - the tensioner that came off sounded like a snoring pig "ruhruh...ruhruhhh..."with the odd grindy crunch... also you could feel points where it almost jammed. The new one is smooth and makes no noise.

May end up buying a brand new one which will then allow me a side-to-side comparison.

The key thing is that if you ge a smooth one which spins for a long time, add some grease! 

[chrisgixer]

Some belts do squeak. Or chirp. I think it's partly to do with Kevlar bead evident in the belt edge. Any other belt may not chirp. Could it be that that's the case with the shorter one?

[Sir Tigger KC]

Ah, fair enough Mark,  To add to my previous post - the tensioner that came off sounded like a snoring pig "ruhruh...ruhruhhh..."with the odd grindy crunch... also you could feel points where it almost jammed. The new one is smooth and makes no noise.

May end up buying a brand new one which will then allow me a side-to-side comparison.

The key thing is that if you ge a smooth one which spins for a long time, add some grease! 

Which is an easy job. 

[Diamond Black Geezer]

Does the bearing come apart easy enough, then? I considered doing that before fitting the new one, but it seemed like it was all pressed in at the factory and I'd risk bending it it I levered at it. If I'm being over-cautious then I'll have a stab this weekend 

[Marks DTM Calib]

The bearing used is a 2RS type and the rubber seals can be eased out to allow grease to be added before refitting the seal.

Obviously this requires removal of the pulley but, that's only a single nut.

[Diamond Black Geezer]

Much appreciated as always. It's been on the car for a matter of days, so will have a look this weekend.