M54 Drive Belt Tensioners

Post Mon Mar 14, 2016 6:32 pm

I'm going to change the drive belts on my M54 shortly and am going to change the tensioners while I'm at it. I have done a bit of research and found that there are two types of tensioner, mechanical and hydraulic. I have read that either type can be fitted and that the mechanical ones are more reliable. So, should I just get the mechanical ones and fit them or should I fit what is currently fitted?

At the moment I have no idea which type mine has, I've had a quick look without success, I need to take a few bits off to be able to see but I won't be able to do that until the weekend.

Also is there anything else worth changing on the front of the engine while I'm at?

Cheers

Post Mon Mar 14, 2016 6:59 pm

While it's all out, maybe a water pump and fan clutch? Preventative maintenance and all that.....

Post Mon Mar 14, 2016 8:10 pm

Yeah, I was half thinking it might be worth doing the water pump. It has an electric fan so I won't need a fan clutch.

Managed to get outside for a look. It appears I have a hydraulic one for the main belt and mechanical one for the smaller one:

Look at the state of that main belt! I'm concerned about driving it anywhere now I've seen that.