Tmax variator

[Saltydog]

Hi all, can anybody point me in the right direction for any diagrams, dimensions etc to make my own variator tool for my mk1 tmax belt change, even better still anyone in the Manchester area planning on changing their belt can I come and watch? Any help much appreciated. Thank you from Manchesters number 1 cheeky bastard.

[Funkycowie]

My variator tool is home made and consists of two bars taken from the aluminum frame of a old car cover, one about half the length of the other.

I drilled a hole in the centre of the longest one (approx 40-50cm) and also at one end big enough to take a size M10 bolt.

I also drilled a hole in both ends of the shortest, big enough to take a size M10 bolt.

I then joined one end of the shortest bar to the middle of the longest with a cut down fully threaded bolt.

Then I used two 20 cm long M10 coach bolts with a long unthread section towards the head, I cut off the head and with two nuts attached them on then ends of the short bar and long bar so that the unthread part only will make contact with the variator.

I then wrapped those unthread ends with electrical tape to make sure no damage could occur.

To use it I lock the variator by inserting those two bolts against the part of the variator that the sliders go up and down on which are very solid.

You can then get the belt on and off fairly easy, however it is easier if you can also undo the driven pulley nut, for that you need M6 bolts and you can do it using the same method make sure they are high tensile steel though because otherwise they are likely to bend. Also because of the fins make sure you put about 3 nuts on the thread before attaching it to the bar this will strengthen the bolt up to the hole entry.

I don't have a picture of mine but its like this

Homemade_Variator_Tool02.jpg