Gates 38131 Accessory Drive Belt Tensioner Assembly

OE Automatic Belt Tensioner for Ford V-Ribbed Drives

Gates DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner Part Number 38131 is built for accessory drive belt systems that need stable belt control and OE-style fit. It is a direct replacement for select Ford trucks and vans, including Ford F-150, Ford F-250, Ford F-350, and Ford Bronco applications from the late 1980s through the mid-1990s.

Gates applies original equipment system design experience to this DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner line, with manufacturing held to rigid tolerances for fit, form, and function. The result is a thermoplastic tensioner assembly with a smooth/backside contact surface and a V-ribbed belt profile for the specified Ford accessory drive layouts.

Key Features

• Part number 38131 automatic belt tensioner assembly
• Thermoplastic construction
• Single-pulley design with smooth/backside contact surface
• V-ribbed belt type
• OE Improved comparison rating
• 1 mounting hole design for the listed applications
• Dimensions: 3.54 in. outside diameter, 1.42 in. width, 17 mm bearing bore inside diameter

Detailed Product Overview

The Gates DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner 38131 is engineered for accessory drive belt systems that rely on consistent belt tension to keep the serpentine drive operating correctly. This tensioner assembly is specified for select 1987-1996 Ford E-150 Econoline, E-250 Econoline, E-350 Econoline, E-150 Econoline Club Wagon, E-350 Econoline Club Wagon, F-150, F-250, F-350, and 1987-1992 Ford Bronco applications. If you are replacing a worn Ford belt tensioner on an older truck or van, this part number 38131 provides the OE-style dimensions and pulley configuration needed for the listed vehicles.

This part cross-references Continental 49233 and Dayco 89393 for the same application.

Common Problems This Part Can Address

• Belt squeal caused by weak or inconsistent tension
• Serpentine belt tracking issues on the accessory drive system
• Premature belt wear from a worn pulley or tensioner arm
• Accessory drive noise from a failing tensioner assembly
• Loss of proper belt control on Ford V-ribbed belt systems

Installation Notes and Tips

• Verify the belt routing and pulley alignment before removing the old tensioner.
• Confirm the application by year, make, and model before ordering; this part is listed for specific Ford E-Series, F-Series, and Bronco vehicles.
• Inspect the belt, idler pulleys, and accessory drive components during replacement.
• Match the V-ribbed belt profile and mounting configuration to the original part.

Quality Assurance

Gates manufactures DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioners to rigid OE-level specifications, with attention to fit, form, and function for the listed Ford applications. Part number 38131 is built to the dimensional and performance requirements associated with the original equipment design.