Gates 38103 Belt Tensioner Assembly Review

Poly-V belt tension is critical to proper accessory operation and noise reduction. This tensioner was just like the OEM.

The item didn't look very sturdy and the tab broke off during installation to help guide it properly. I also had to install it with a broken tab

Much better than what I had there for sure. Replaced a weak belt tensioner that was making the belt squeak. At the same time, the tensioner pulley and the belt were changed. The belt tensioner stops moving when the engine is started.

tensioner arrived quickly, made in Canada identical to the old one still working perfectly. Actual data shows 188,000 miles on the original GATES product. Generates trust, am very happy with the purchase.

Bought about 2 years ago but now it started chirping all the time. During the swap, I replaced the Gates idler pulley, tensioner, and serpentine belt. Buy Part Now (Lifetime Warranty)! don't let me return or replace, only two years!?!? The old adage applies - you get what you pay for.

I only gave it three stars because there were no screws in the box I had to go to the store to buy them Variety was made in Canada, not China. Anyway, great product but beware the screw is not included.

Installed tensioner, idler pulley and belt on my 2000 Chevy Express 1500 passenger car 5.7 V8 with air conditioning in about 1 hour. The constant squeaking is gone. and noise from the old idler pulley bearing. The old belt must also have slipped. After 1 month they appear to be quality parts. The time will show. EDIT - 2015-10-02 Still runs quiet and smooth. Appears to be a high quality product.

It installed and appears to have eliminated the AC belt squeak. Interestingly, this unit and the other newly purchased idler pulley have slight lateral play in the pulleys. Not sure why these new assemblies have little side play - the old ones resulted in AC belt noise, they had more play (wear). After removing the strap it was washed in soapy water and inspected, the strap pins were in good condition. So not sure how long they will last as they came with some lateral play in the wheel pulleys…

I bought this to fix the creaking noise this design is famous for. The original has traveled 121,000 km. This Gates pulley ran 7,000 miles in my 2002 Astro before it started squeaking again. It has now driven about 5000 km. I was hoping the problem might just be a cheaper idler pulley which I also replaced 12k miles ago but no. I swapped it out again, but the sound didn't change. The loudest noise is when the engine is cold, very wet like rain and with the air conditioning on. I guess I just…