6 replies to this topic

[lagavulin16yr]

Hello!

I have a 1997 Rover Mini Cooper MPI with AC.

I did the water test on my squeaky belt, check it here -> https://www.youtube....rts/gsg8mSLAsrk

Based on what I've been told, I'm led to believe this is a pulley alignment issue and not a bearing issue. The belt looks fine. So I figure, I have a new belt, I'll replace it and check alignment, but this looks like a wild mission.

Do I have to pull the radiator to change the belt? Also, those belt cover bolts are neigh impossible to turn, I can't get a wrench in there, how do you manage that?

I searched here, but perhaps not well enough. Any tips, videos or advice most welcome.

Thank you!

[NLinPEN]

The sound in that video does not sound like a squeaky belt to me. To me it sounds more like metal scraping against metal.

Looking in a workshop manual I see that they indeed remove the radiator with its cooling fan in order to get access to the belt.

[imack]

Does it squeak when the ac is turned on?

[mab01uk]

Useful FB link for Classic Mini Air Conditioning info and problems here:-
https://www.facebook...756900611517382

"For all classic Minis built between 1959-2000 with air conditioning installed, from the factory, aftermarket or factory AC installed later. Only about air conditioning and any related problems, removal, modifications, installation, overheating, etc.
ANY posts or photos not directly pertaining to Classic Mini air conditioning will be deleted. Pictures of Classic Minis will be okay. Mini compatible AC systems found in other cars will also be allowed."

Edited by mab01uk, 16 May 2026 - 08:56 AM.

[hungdynasty]

Check the fan belt tensioner , two years ago I had similar squeak noise there and it was the tensioner bearing gone.

 

 

 

 

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FAN BELT TENSIONER ON MPI

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[hungdynasty]

Hello!

I have a 1997 Rover Mini Cooper MPI with AC.

I did the water test on my squeaky belt, check it here -> https://www.youtube....rts/gsg8mSLAsrk

Based on what I've been told, I'm led to believe this is a pulley alignment issue and not a bearing issue. The belt looks fine. So I figure, I have a new belt, I'll replace it and check alignment, but this looks like a wild mission.

Do I have to pull the radiator to change the belt? Also, those belt cover bolts are neigh impossible to turn, I can't get a wrench in there, how do you manage that?

I searched here, but perhaps not well enough. Any tips, videos or advice most welcome.

Thank you!

you don't have to remove the radiator, cut the old belt to remove and slide in the new belt through the gap between the fan blade and cowling, it's tight but possible, I did it this way.

[lagavulin16yr]

Thank you so much everyone, I really appreciate the replies. This is a wonderful community!

 

I put some belt dresser on it and the squeak went away, but I'm not satisfied, so will keep digging when I have a few more days spare. 

Cheers!