Gates 38171 Accessory Drive Belt Tensioner Assembly

OE Automatic Belt Tensioner for Ford and Mercury

Restore proper accessory drive belt tension with the Gates DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner, part number 38171. This OE Exact tensioner is built for 1997-2002 Ford Escort and 1997-1999 Mercury Tracer applications, with fit, form, and function aligned to original equipment requirements.

Key Features

• Gates DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner
• OE Exact comparison rating for direct replacement use
• Steel construction for strength and durability
• Single-pulley design with smooth/backside contact surface
• V-ribbed belt type application
• 90 mm outside diameter and 30.5 mm width
• 17 mm bearing bore inside diameter
• Single mounting hole design

Product Details

Gates part number 38171 is an accessory drive belt tensioner assembly engineered to maintain consistent belt tension in the accessory drive system. Gates applies OE system design experience to this DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner, manufacturing it to rigid tolerances so it matches original equipment specifications for the Ford Escort and Mercury Tracer. The steel body, smooth/backside pulley contact surface, and OE Exact rating support accurate replacement of the factory tensioner on these vehicles.

This part cross-references Dayco 89312 for the same application.

What It Helps Address

• Belt slack that can lead to accessory drive noise
• Erratic belt tension from a worn tensioner assembly
• Squealing or chirping from the accessory drive belt system
• Reduced belt tracking stability on V-ribbed belt setups
• Loss of proper belt tension on Ford Escort and Mercury Tracer models

Installation Notes and Tips

Verify belt routing and pulley alignment before installation. Inspect the accessory drive belt, idler pulleys, and related components for wear while replacing the tensioner. Confirm the vehicle application by year and model: Fits 1997-2002 Ford Escort, N/A; Fits 1997-1999 Mercury Tracer, N/A. Use the OE-style mounting location and torque specifications for the vehicle service procedure.

Quality Assurance

Gates is a global OE system designer, and this DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner is manufactured to support OE fit, form, and function for the listed Ford Escort and Mercury Tracer applications.