DriveAlign
Automatic Belt Tensioners
The vast majority of vehicles with serpentine belts often have an automatic tensioner- IN FACT, OVER 80% OF ALL NEW VEHICLE APPLICATIONS USE AUTOMATIC BELT TENSIONERS. Tensioners, like any other part, don’t last forever, and mechanics will be replacing more and more of them.
Gates supplies the aftermarket with more automatic belt tensioners than any other manufacturer. Available to the Australian aftermarket is over 40 part numbers, covering the majority of vehicles found in Australia. Roadsafe PAJA stock the full range of Drivealign Automatic Belt Tensioners.
Two of the most popular Tensioner Assembies include:
- 38227 to suit AU Falcon
- 38210 to suit VS – VY Commodore
The DriveAlign tensioners are application-specific to meet the carmakers' requirements for constant tension, vibration resistance, and proper alignment on serpentine belt engine accessory drives.
Tensioner and Idler Pulleys
Equally important as belt tensioners, tensioner and idler pulleys are a wear item and should be replaced when the tensioner reuires replacement.
The Drivealign range of tensioner and idler pulleys are manufactured to OEM specifications. A variety of materials are used including steel and glass filled nylon. Pulleys are typically pressed from metal sheet, sprun from flat metallic discs or injection moulded from nylon.
Available to the Australian aftermarket is 28 part numbers, covering a large range of vehicle applications. Roadsafe PAJA stock the full range of Drivealign Tensioner and Idler Pulleys.
A few of the most popular Tensioner and Idler Pulleys include:
- 38009 Idler Pulley to suit AU & BA Falcon also VT-VY Commodore
- 38015 Tensioner Pulley to suit AU & BA Falcon
- 38005 Idler Pulley to suit VT-VY Commodore
- 38006 Tensioner Pulley to suit VT-VY Commodore
For more information regarding stock items please contact one of our sales office:
sales@oem-products.com
Why cars have Automatic Belt Tensioners and where to get them?
By the year 2001 there were over 100 million vehicles using automatic belt tensioners. Tensioners, like any other part, don't last forever, and automotive technicians will be replacing more and more of them.
The vast majority of vehicles with serpentine belts often have an automatic tensioner. Tension is provided by a powerful spring located within a small canister-like housing to which a pulley is attached. The pulley pivots around the spring housing and generates a constant belt tension.
Tensioners are designed into the belt drive system for several reasons:
- Proper tension is maintained throughout belt life.
- They reduce maintenance by eliminating the need to retension belts on a periodic basis.
- They increase belt life because the belt maintains an ideal tension as it wears.
- They reduce the amount of belt tension requirements, thereby increasing bearing life of accessories.
How does a tensioner work?
The tensioner is a spring-loaded device consisting of eight basic parts.
- 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.
- Damping Ring: a composite ring that smooths system vibration. When it wears the tensioner needs to be replaced.
- Tension Spring: preloaded at the factory. It provides force to tension the belt.
- Arm: connects spring to tensioner pulley. Usually an aluminium casing.
- 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.
- Dust shield: protects bearing from elements.
- Bolt: connects pulley to arm.
- (not included on diagram) A belt length variation gauge is built into each tensioner. The gauge indicates belt length. It consists of a pointer and either two or three marks indicating the range of tensioner movement. Minimum belt length, ideal length and full take-up length are usually indicated on the gauge. The gauge window is located on or along the break between the base and tensioner arm. As a belt wears with age, the tensioner automatically moves to keep belt tension constant. As this happens, the length gauge pointer will move toward maximum length. When the pointer is within 5% of the maximum belt length mark, the tensioner is out of its useful range and the belt should be replaced. Belt wear often results in squeals and loose appearance.
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.
Note: A tensioner cannot be rebuilt since internal parts are not available. Never try to disassemble a tensioner unit. Injury may result.
For more information regarding stock items please contact one of our sales office:
sales@roadsafe.com.au