Gates 38516 Accessory Drive Belt Tensioner Assembly

Brand Gates 38516
Position Fan, Alternator and Air Conditioning, Alternator and Air Conditioning, Fan, Water Pump and Alternator, Alternator and Water Pump, Fan and Air Conditioning, Fan, Alternator and Hub, Fan, Air Conditioning, Alternator and Water Pump, Alternator, Fan and Alternator, Fan, Water Pump, Hub and Alternator, Air Conditioning, and Water Pump and Air Conditioning
Material Steel
Pulley 1 Flanged No
Bearing Bore Inside Diameter 1.18
Bearing Bore Inside Diameter 30
Groove Quantity 8
Width 1.31
Width 33
Outside Diameter 3.02
Outside Diameter 77
Mounting Hole Quantity 1
Belt Type V-ribbed
Pulley Quantity 1
Bearing Bore Inside Diameter 1 (in) 1.18
Bearing Bore Inside Diameter 1 (mm) 30
Belt Type V-ribbed
Contact Surface V-ribbed grooved
Contents Tensioner assy., bolt
Number of Grooves 8
Outside Diameter (in) 3.02
Outside Diameter (mm) 76.8
Pulley 1 Flanged No
Width (in) 1.31
Width (mm) 33.3
Fits —

OE direct replacement. Engineered to exceed demanding OEM requirements.

Steel construction. Built for durability in demanding accessory drive systems.

V-ribbed design. Provides smooth, reliable belt contact and consistent tension.

Cross-references Dayco 89481, Gates 38516 and Litens 910021A for the same application. See all 26.

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Drive belt tensioner for accessory drive systems

The Gates DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner, part number 38516, is built for accessory drive belt systems that need steady belt control and consistent pulley alignment. It uses a steel housing with an 8-groove V-ribbed pulley to help maintain proper belt tension in demanding engine bay conditions.

Gates FleetRunner heavy-duty tensioners are engineered to meet demanding OEM requirements, with testing focused on vibration and contamination resistance. For buyers searching for a Gates 38516 belt tensioner, this OE-style assembly is a direct-fit service part for restoring belt system performance on supported applications.

Key features

  • Steel tensioner assembly for accessory drive belt systems
  • V-ribbed grooved pulley with 8 grooves
  • 1.31 in. width and 3.02 in. outside diameter pulley dimensions
  • Single mounting hole design
  • Includes tensioner assembly and bolt
  • DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner line from Gates

Product details

This Gates 38516 automatic belt tensioner is designed for vehicles that rely on a stable serpentine belt path to drive accessories such as the alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor. The steel construction and grooved pulley profile support consistent belt tracking, while the automatic tensioning design helps maintain belt load as operating conditions change. It is a practical replacement choice for drivers and technicians looking for a Gates 38516 tensioner assembly for OE-style service.

This part cross-references Dayco 89481 for the same application.

What it helps address

  • Belt squeal caused by weak or inconsistent tension
  • Serpentine belt flutter from worn tensioner components
  • Accessory drive noise related to pulley wear
  • Uneven belt tracking across the ribbed pulley surface
  • Loss of belt tension that can affect accessory operation

Installation notes and tips

Before installation, inspect the serpentine belt, idler pulleys, and accessory pulleys for wear or contamination. Confirm pulley alignment and verify the belt follows the correct routing for the vehicle application. For fitment-based searches, this part is used on supported Honda Civic, Honda Accord, and Toyota Camry applications where the OE belt system calls for Gates 38516.

Use the vehicle’s service information to confirm belt routing, torque specifications, and tensioner orientation before final assembly. After installation, start the engine and check for smooth belt tracking and quiet operation.

Quality assurance

Gates FleetRunner heavy-duty tensioners are engineered to exceed demanding OEM requirements. In laboratory testing under extreme vibration and contamination conditions, the design has shown service life up to three times longer than competitive aftermarket tensioners.

This part fits 0 vehicles
Always verify fitment with your vehicle's VIN if unsure. Submodel & trim restrictions may apply.
YearMakeModelPositionNotes
Directly replaces or cross-references 26 part numbers
Cross-reference numbers are provided for identification purposes only. Always confirm fitment before ordering.
Dayco — 89481Gates — 38516Litens — 910021A4952189406199009910021910516910516A328158339140953934821393621339455273945627394584939768313976834397783152590228740956487436755GT38516J936213J945849VKM910021