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As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of automotive tensioners for
OEM’s (original equipment manufacturers) since 1984, Gates has over 300 belt tensioners covering more than 200 million vehicles – including imports
and heavy trucks.
Gates DriveAlign® automatic belt tensioners are application-specific and OE-equivalent or better in both performance and fit.
Review Tensioner techTIPS for tensioner selection and maintenance information.
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Determine the Tensioner part number for your vehicle:
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Tensioner TECHTIPS
To help you select and install long-lasting, trouble-free replacement tensioners, Gates engineers have prepared the following:
Tensioner TECHTIPS 
To reduce belt warranty problems, comebacks and labor claims, Gates engineers recommend that the serpentine belt and its automatic tensioner be replaced at the same time. It is highly probable that the source of belt damage (tension loss, excessive vibration, misalignment, etc.) is the result of a worn tensioner.
Includes:
“How a tensioner works and when to replace it.”
“Avoid comebacks - replace the belt, replace the tensioner.”
"Round torsional spring vs. flat spring tensioners - which has fewer contamination problems?"
"Round torsional spring vs. flat spring tensioners - which has fewer noise problems?"
"Plastic vs. steel tensioner pulleys - how important is performance?"
"Aluminum vs. steel locating pins - how important is strength?"
"Round torsional spring versus flat spring technology - which has greater technical advantages?"
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| Click here to view a failed versus a good belt tensioner |
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Change Components with Belt – always!
To reduce belt warranty problems, comebacks and labor claims, Gates recommends that all serpentine drive belt system components the belt, tensioner, pulleys and idler be replaced at the same time.
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How does a tensioner work?
The tensioner is a spring-loaded device consisting of eight basic parts.
1. Base: stationary part of the tensioner that is bolted to engine block or other accessories. Base designs vary. Some base components may be very complicated, including large sections of bracketry or seals that form part of the cooling system.
2. Damping Ring: a composite ring that smooths system vibration. When it wears the tensioner needs to be replaced.
3. Tension Spring: preloaded at the factory. It provides force to tension the  belt.
4. Arm: connects spring to tensioner pulley. Usually an aluminum casing.
5. Pulleys/Bearings: are nylon or steel and may be grooved, flat or flat with flanges. Pulley surfaces should be inspected regularly for damage or wear. The key component of a pulley is the bearing. For a pulley to function properly, the bearing must be properly lubricated. The most frequent cause of pulley failure is loss of lubrication in the bearings. Do not attempt to put new bearings in an old pulley.
6. Dust shield: protects bearing from elements.
7.Bolt: connects pulley to arm.
A belt length variation gauge is built into each tensioner. The gauge Tensioners frequently fail as a result of careless belt replacement. If the old belt isn't removed carefully the tensioner may spring down and crack. If the new belt is too short it can snap the tensioner. Although tensioners are designed for specific vehicles, the tensioner replacement information on the next page is helpful.
Note: A tensioner cannot be rebuilt since internal parts are not available. Never try to disassemble a tensioner unit. Injury may result
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Automotive Aftermarket
Belt Tensioners/Pulleys
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