Gates 38357 Accessory Drive Belt Tensioner Assembly

OE Automatic Belt Tensioner for Mazda

The Gates DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner, part number 38357, is built for accessory drive belt systems that need stable belt control and OE-style fit. It is a direct replacement option for select Mazda 3, Mazda 3 Sport, and Mazda 5 applications with a V-ribbed belt setup.

Gates applies OE system design experience to the DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner line, with manufacturing held to tight tolerances for fit, form, and function. This tensioner assembly uses a steel body, a single flanged pulley, and a 6-groove V-ribbed contact surface for consistent belt tracking.

Key Features

• Part number 38357 for select Mazda accessory drive belt systems
• Steel tensioner assembly for durable OE-style replacement
• 6-groove V-ribbed pulley contact surface
• Single flanged pulley design for belt alignment
• 3 mounting holes for application-specific installation
• OE Improved comparison rating
• Outside diameter: 2.76 in. (70 mm)
• Width: 1.1 in. (28 mm)

Detailed Description

This Gates DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner is engineered for the accessory drive belt system on 2004-2013 Mazda 3, 2009-2011 Mazda 3 Sport, and 2006-2010 Mazda 5 applications listed below. It is built around a V-ribbed grooved contact surface and a flanged pulley to help maintain proper belt routing and tension across the accessory drive system. The steel construction and OE-focused tolerances support accurate fitment in Mazda 3 and Mazda 5 service work where belt tension stability is critical. Part number 38357 is also referenced in aftermarket interchange listings for the same application.

This part cross-references Continental 49397 for the same application.

What It Helps Address

• Belt squeal caused by weak or inconsistent tension
• Accessory belt flutter or vibration
• Uneven belt tracking on the pulley surface
• Noise from a worn automatic belt tensioner assembly
• Loss of proper belt tension in the accessory drive system

Installation Notes and Tips

• Verify the vehicle’s engine and belt routing before ordering.
• Inspect the accessory drive belt, idler pulleys, and related components during service.
• Confirm the 6-groove V-ribbed belt configuration matches the vehicle application.
• Use the listed fitment notes for Mazda 3 and Mazda 3 Sport models built without SKYACTIV.
• Follow factory service procedures and torque specifications during installation.

Quality Assurance

Gates manufactures DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioners to rigid tolerances and specifications intended to deliver OE fit, form, and function. The 38357 tensioner is part of Gates’ OE-focused accessory drive component lineup for Mazda service applications.

• Fits 2004-2011 Mazda 3, N/A
• Fits 2009-2011 Mazda 3 Sport, N/A
• Fits 2012-2013 Mazda 3, N/A, trim: without SKYACTIV
• Fits 2012-2013 Mazda 3 Sport, N/A, trim: without SKYACTIV
• Fits 2006-2010 Mazda 5, N/A