My attempt at replacing the tensioner pulley bearing

When I took the gearbox out all those years ago, whilst I had the engine on the hoist I thought what else could I do?

The tensioner was squeaking a lot, so I thought I'd buy a bearing at the same shop as I got the ones for the gearbox and see if I could pop out the old one and refit the new one. Below are the photo's of the process in order.

Now I'll tell you now - THIS DID NOT COME OUT WELL AND I ADVISE YOU NOT TO DO THIS.

So the last image here is of me pressing in the new bearing with 2 sockets in a vice.

You'll notice the Damage to the plastic pulley as well. The bearing race would not come out and I really mangled it! After some careful thought I decided not to fit this pulley and went and bought a whole new tensioner assembly.

Since then it still squeaks and the best thing I've found to cure it: belt anti-slip spray!

So in conclusion the tensioner bearing is not serviceable and if you're belt is squeaking, try some anti-slip spray first, then if it persists, replace the whole tensioner.

FYI the tensioner on the R53/Cooper S is not the same as the R50/Cooper as it has to control the tension of the super charger pulley, just so you know.