OE Quality
60-Day Returns

Gates 38125 Accessory Drive Belt Tensioner Assembly - Serpentine
Overview of Gates DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner
The Gates DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner 38125 is engineered to maintain optimal tension on the accessory drive belt system. Designed specifically for Ford and Mercury vehicles, including the Sable and Taurus models, this tensioner assembly ensures consistent belt performance and longevity.
- Constructed from durable steel for strength and reliability
- Compatible with V-ribbed belt types
- Features a single pulley without flange, measuring 3.23 inches (82 mm) in outside diameter
- Mounting hole quantity: 3 for secure installation
- Precision bearing bore inside diameter of 0.67 inches (17 mm)
- Width of pulley is 1.2 inches (30.5 mm) with a smooth backside contact surface
Detailed Product Description
This accessory drive belt tensioner assembly from Gates is designed to provide exact OE fitment and function for Ford Sable and Taurus, as well as Mercury models. The steel construction offers durability under continuous engine operation, while the smooth backside contact surface reduces belt wear. The single pulley design without flange supports V-ribbed belts, ensuring proper alignment and tension. With three mounting holes, the tensioner secures firmly to the engine, maintaining consistent belt tension to prevent slippage and premature belt failure.
DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner Product Line
The DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner line by Gates focuses on delivering original equipment quality and fit. This product line is engineered to meet or exceed OEM specifications, providing reliable tension control for accessory drive belt systems. The 38125 tensioner assembly is part of this line, offering precise dimensions and materials that align with factory standards for Ford and Mercury vehicles.
Common Applications and Issues Addressed
- Maintains proper tension on V-ribbed accessory drive belts
- Prevents belt slippage and squealing noises
- Reduces premature belt wear and extends belt life
- Eliminates engine accessory misalignment issues
- Addresses tensioner pulley bearing wear or failure
Installation Notes and Tips
- Ensure compatibility with Ford Sable and Taurus or Mercury models before installation
- Verify mounting hole alignment with engine bracket for secure fit
- Inspect belt condition and replace if worn during tensioner installation
- Use proper tools to avoid damage to the tensioner or pulley during installation
- Follow vehicle manufacturer torque specifications for mounting bolts
Quality Assurance and Warranty
The Gates DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner 38125 is manufactured to meet OE exact standards, ensuring reliable performance and durability. Gates provides quality assurance through rigorous testing and material selection. Please refer to Gates' official warranty policy for specific coverage details related to this tensioner assembly.
| Brand | Gates |
| Part Number | 38125 |
| Position | DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner, Serpentine |
| Bearing Bore Inside Diameter | .67 |
| Bearing Bore Inside Diameter | 17 |
| Bearing Bore Inside Diameter 1 (in) | .67 |
| Bearing Bore Inside Diameter 1 (mm) | 17 |
| Belt Type | V-Ribbed |
| Belt Type | V-Ribbed |
| Contact Surface | Smooth/Backside |
| Contents | Tensioner Assy. |
| Material | Steel |
| Mounting Hole Quantity | 3 |
| OE Comparison Rating | OE Exact |
| Outside Diameter | 3.23 |
| Outside Diameter | 82 |
| Outside Diameter (in) | 3.23 |
| Outside Diameter (mm) | 82 |
| Pulley 1 Flanged | No |
| Pulley 1 Flanged | No |
| Pulley Quantity | 1 |
| Width | 1.2 |
| Width | 30.5 |
| Width (in) | 1.2 |
| Width (mm) | 30.5 |
This part fits 18 vehicles. Search below:
| Year | Make | Model | Submodel | Liters | Cylinders | Fuel Type | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Ford | Taurus | GL | 3.0L | V6 | GAS | N/A | DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner |
| 1992 | Ford | Taurus | L | 3.0L | V6 | GAS | N/A | DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner |
| 1992 | Ford | Taurus | LX | 3.0L | V6 | GAS | N/A | DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner |
| 1992 | Mercury | Sable | 3.0L | V6 | GAS | N/A | W/6-Ribbed Belt; DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner | |
| 1991 | Ford | Taurus | LX | 3.0L | V6 | GAS | N/A | W/6-Ribbed Belt; DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner |
| 1991 | Ford | Taurus | L | 3.0L | V6 | GAS | N/A | W/6-Ribbed Belt; DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner |
| 1991 | Ford | Taurus | GL | 3.0L | V6 | GAS | N/A | W/6-Ribbed Belt; DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner |
| 1991 | Mercury | Sable | 3.0L | V6 | GAS | N/A | W/6-Ribbed Belt; DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner | |
| 1990 | Ford | Taurus | GL | 3.0L | V6 | GAS | N/A | W/6-Ribbed Belt; DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner |
| 1990 | Ford | Taurus | LX | 3.0L | V6 | GAS | N/A | W/6-Ribbed Belt; DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner |
| 1990 | Ford | Taurus | L | 3.0L | V6 | GAS | N/A | W/6-Ribbed Belt; DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner |
| 1990 | Mercury | Sable | 3.0L | V6 | GAS | N/A | W/6-Ribbed Belt; DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner | |
| 1989 | Ford | Taurus | GL | 3.0L | V6 | GAS | N/A | W/6-Ribbed Belt; DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner |
| 1989 | Ford | Taurus | LX | 3.0L | V6 | GAS | N/A | W/6-Ribbed Belt; DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner |
| 1989 | Ford | Taurus | L | 3.0L | V6 | GAS | N/A | W/6-Ribbed Belt; DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner |
| 1989 | Mercury | Sable | 3.0L | V6 | GAS | N/A | W/6-Ribbed Belt; DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner | |
| 1988 | Ford | Taurus | 3.0L | V6 | GAS | N/A | W/6-Ribbed Belt; DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner | |
| 1988 | Mercury | Sable | 3.0L | V6 | GAS | Serpentine | W/6-Ribbed Belt; DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner |
* Always verify fitment with your vehicle's VIN if unsure. Submodel & trim restrictions may apply.
This part directly replaces or is cross-referenced with the following part numbers:
Cross-reference numbers are provided for identification purposes only. Always confirm fitment before ordering.