Gates 38556 Accessory Drive Belt Tensioner Assembly

Brand Gates 38556
Position Fan, Alternator and Air Conditioning, Fan, Air Conditioning, Alternator and Water Pump, Fan, Fan, Water Pump and Alternator, Fan and Alternator, Fan and Air Brake Compressor, Fan and Air Compressor, and Alternator and Air Conditioning
Material Steel
Pulley 1 Flanged No
Bearing Bore Inside Diameter 1.18
Bearing Bore Inside Diameter 30
Width 1.57
Width 40
Outside Diameter 3.41
Outside Diameter 86.5
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 Smooth/backside
Contents Tensioner assy.
Outside Diameter (in) 3.41
Outside Diameter (mm) 86.5
Pulley 1 Flanged No
Width (in) 1.57
Width (mm) 40
Fits —

OE-style replacement. Automatic belt tensioner engineered to meet demanding OEM requirements.

Steel construction. Durable build with a smooth backside pulley for reliable belt contact.

V-ribbed belt design. Works with accessory drive systems that use a ribbed belt profile.

Cross-references Dayco 89443, Gates 38556 and Litens 910555A for the same application. See all 10.

$120.74Free shipping
In stock · usually ships same day before 1pm CST
Step 1 — Confirm fitment
Free return shipping if it doesn't fit when you check fitment here first.

Select your vehicle to confirm fitment
Verify this part fits before purchasing — free returns if it doesn't
Step 2 — Quantity
Order total $120.74
Free shipping to the continental U.S.
Free returns within 60 days if it doesn't fit when fitment is verified.

DriveAlign OE Belt Tensioner for Accessory Drive Systems

The Gates DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner, part number 38556, is built for accessory drive belt systems that need consistent belt control and stable pulley alignment. It uses a steel housing with a smooth/backside contact surface and a V-ribbed belt profile to support reliable operation in demanding engine bays.

Gates DriveAlign premium OE tensioners are engineered for OE-style fit and function, with the FleetRunner heavy-duty design focus on durability under vibration and contamination. For drivers searching for a Gates 38556 belt tensioner or an OE replacement accessory drive belt tensioner for Ford and International applications, this part is built around the dimensions and construction details that matter.

Key Features

  • Brand: Gates DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner
  • Part number: 38556
  • Steel construction for strength and stability
  • Automatic tensioner assembly for accessory drive belt systems
  • V-ribbed belt type with smooth/backside contact surface
  • Single pulley design with non-flanged pulley
  • Bearing bore inside diameter: 1.18 in. / 30 mm
  • Outside diameter: 3.41 in. / 86.5 mm
  • Width: 1.57 in. / 40 mm

Product Details

This Gates 38556 tensioner is designed for vehicles that use a V-ribbed accessory belt and a single automatic tensioner assembly. The steel body, smooth pulley surface, and OE-oriented dimensions help maintain proper belt tracking and consistent tension across the accessory drive system. Gates notes that its FleetRunner heavy-duty tensioner design is validated through vibration and contamination testing, with durability measured against demanding OEM requirements.

For Ford F-Series and International truck applications that call for this configuration, the Gates DriveAlign Premium OE Automatic Belt Tensioner provides a direct replacement option built to match the original system layout. This part cross-references Dayco 89443 for the same application.

What It Helps Address

  • Belt squeal caused by weak or inconsistent tension
  • Accessory belt flutter from worn tensioner components
  • Misalignment issues in the belt drive path
  • Premature belt wear from poor pulley control
  • Noise from a worn automatic belt tensioner assembly

Installation Notes and Tips

Verify pulley diameter, width, bearing bore, and belt profile before installation. Compare the existing tensioner to part number 38556 and confirm the mounting style matches the vehicle’s accessory drive layout. Inspect the belt, idler pulleys, and related drive components at the same time so the new tensioner is installed into a clean, properly aligned system.

For fitment-based searches, this part is commonly referenced for Ford and International truck applications using the Gates 38556 configuration. Always confirm the vehicle’s original tensioner dimensions and belt routing before ordering.

Quality Assurance

Gates designs DriveAlign and FleetRunner tensioner components to meet OE-level requirements for accessory drive performance. The heavy-duty tensioner design is tested for durability under vibration and contamination exposure to support long service life in demanding operating conditions.

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 10 part numbers
Cross-reference numbers are provided for identification purposes only. Always confirm fitment before ordering.
Dayco — 89443Gates — 38556Litens — 910555A3C2Z 6B209 AC4C4Z 6B209 AA495679105551833688C11833688C2GT38556