Hydraulic or Mechanical Tensioner Pulleys on my ZHP

[GOLDNSPOTS]

I am replacing the tension pulleys and belts on my 2005 330ci ZHP 6mt. I'm going to do all three. Which pulleys are mechanical and which ones are hydraulic? Can't tell with the fan and shroud in place. Need to order the parts. Build is 10/04. Is realOEM.com accurate?

[danewilson77]

AC = Mechanical

Water pump pulley tensioner = could be mechanical, but I would upgrade to hydraulic.

Deflection pulley = mechanical ball bearing wheel.

Real oem is good for part number. Grab the number and throw it in the store site you choose.

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[Avetiso]

I like mechanical.

[Smolck]

I like mechanical.

So do I. Granted, my hydro unit has 208k miles on it.

Dane, is that why you say hydro is better? Longevity?

[danewilson77]

Yes. It's "improved"

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[Dave1027]

It's the bearings that fail. Doesn't the hydro version have the same bearings that the mechanical version does?

[danewilson77]

It's the bearings that fail. Doesn't the hydro version have the same bearings that the mechanical version does?

In my experience, the common wear part is the mechanical spring. The bearing on the deflection pulley is the one that evaporates.

Anything can happen fella's.

Sure.... Don't use the upgraded, newer designed hydraulic unit. Use the mechanical one.

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[Dave1027]

In my experience, the common wear part is the mechanical spring. The bearing on the deflection pulley is the one that evaporates.

Anything can happen fella's.

Sure.... Don't use the upgraded, newer designed hydraulic unit. Use the mechanical one.

I'm not disputing. I am only trying to understand exactly what needs to be replaced because at least one of mine is making noise after a cold start. I would think I only need to replace the pulley with bearing part and not the entire assembly with tensioner.

[danewilson77]

I know. I'm just screwing with you. It's all good. I think I got 100k miles out of my mechanical setup. We (enthusiasts) don't typically let stuff fail (preventative maintenance) so I think either setup is fine. I thought it was tough to find the mechanical water pump tensioner though (superceded)? Maybe not :dunno

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[prowlerflyer]

Sooo, is there a way to tell if you have the had or mech WP tensioner? I am assembling the parts to do the belts, pulleys, and tensioners, but don't know if I need just a hyd tensioner or the "upgrade" kit as advertised by some vendors.

Also, does anyone make upgraded metal pulleys, but not underdrive ones?

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[danewilson77]

Yes. Look at the one installed. The hydraulic one will have a piston on the right (if your facing the engine)

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[danewilson77]

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/68381_x800.jpg (http://s1015.photobucket.com/user/nicee46/media/68381_x800.jpg.html)

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