Gates 38408 Accessory Drive Belt Tensioner Assembly

OE Belt Tensioner for Mazda and Ford Applications

The Gates DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner, part number 38408, is built for direct-fit service on select Mazda, Ford, Mercury, and related applications. It is an OE Exact accessory drive belt tensioner assembly with a 6-groove V-ribbed pulley, thermoplastic construction, and flanged pulley support for stable belt tracking.

Gates applies OE system design experience to this DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner line, focusing on fit, form, and function that match original equipment requirements. For drivers searching for a Mazda MX-5 Miata belt tensioner, Ford Focus accessory drive belt tensioner, or Gates 38408 replacement, this assembly is specified to the dimensions and contact profile needed for proper belt control.

Key Features

• OE Exact automatic belt tensioner assembly for accessory drive belt systems
• 6-groove V-ribbed pulley with grooved contact surface
• Flanged pulley design for belt alignment support
• Thermoplastic housing material
• 2 mounting holes for OE-style installation points
• Dimensions: 2.76 in. outside diameter, 0.98 in. width, 17 mm bearing bore inside diameter
• Cross-reference part numbers include Continental 49405 and Dayco 89372

Product Details

This Gates 38408 tensioner is engineered for accessory drive belt systems that require consistent belt tension and pulley tracking. The 70 mm outside diameter, 25 mm width, and 17 mm bearing bore inside diameter align with OE specifications for the listed vehicles. It is a direct replacement choice for applications such as the 2006-2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata, 2007-2009 Mazda 3, 2003-2007 Mazda 6, 2005-2006 Ford Escape, and 2003-2005 Ford Focus.

As part of the DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner line, this assembly is built to Gates’ original-equipment standards for durability and dimensional accuracy. The result is a service part intended to restore proper belt tension control in the accessory drive system.

Common Problems This Part Can Address

• Belt squeal caused by weak or inconsistent tension
• Accessory drive belt flutter or vibration
• Uneven belt tracking across the pulley
• Noise from a worn tensioner pulley or bearing
• Loss of proper belt tension in the serpentine drive system

Installation Notes and Tips

Verify the vehicle’s build date and engine accessory drive configuration before ordering, especially for 2006 Ford Focus models noted as Dec. 5, 2005 and older. Confirm pulley groove count, mounting hole layout, and overall dimensions against the original tensioner before installation. Inspect the belt, idler pulleys, and related accessory drive components at the same time to avoid repeat service.

• Fits 2006-2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata, N/A
• Fits 2006-2010 Mazda MX-5, N/A
• Fits 2007-2009 Mazda 3, N/A
• Fits 2003-2007 Mazda 6, N/A
• Fits 2005-2006 Ford Escape, N/A
• Fits 2006 Ford Focus, N/A, Dec. 5, 2005 & Older
• Fits 2005-2006 Mazda Tribute, N/A
• Fits 2005-2006 Mercury Mariner, N/A
• Fits 2003-2005 Ford Focus, N/A

Quality Assurance

Gates manufactures this tensioner to rigid tolerances and OE specifications to support proper fit, form, and function in the listed applications. The Gates 38408 is an OE Exact replacement for buyers who need a direct-fit accessory drive belt tensioner for Mazda MX-5 Miata, Mazda 3, Mazda 6, Ford Escape, Ford Focus, Mazda Tribute, and Mercury Mariner applications.