Gates
Timing Belt Tensioner

Gates T43003 Engine Timing Belt Tensioner

Brand Gates T43003
Contact Surface Smooth/Backside
Contents Tensioner
Inside Diameter 8
Material Plastic
Outside Diameter 60
Pulley 1 Flanged No
Pulley Quantity 1
Tensioner Type Spring
Width 29
Product line Timing Belt Tensioner
Fits Ford, Mazda, and Mercury · 44 vehicles

OE-exact fit. Engineered for precise timing belt tension and straightforward installation.

Spring tensioner. Maintains optimal belt tension without a separate tensioning operation.

Plastic construction. Lightweight design with a smooth backside contact surface.

Cross-references AP Exhaust 48003, Cloyes 9-5479 and Dorman - Conduct-Tite 85496 for the same application. See all 11.

$80.46Free shipping
In stock · usually ships same day before 1pm CST
Step 1 — Confirm fitment
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Step 2 — Quantity
Order total $80.46
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Free returns within 60 days if it doesn't fit when fitment is verified.

Timing Belt Tensioner for Ford, Mazda, and Mercury

The Gates T43003 timing belt tensioner is built for OE-quality fit and performance in engine timing systems that depend on stable belt tension. It is designed to maintain proper belt tension and reduce the need for manual tensioning during installation. This makes it a direct replacement choice for select Ford Escape, Ford Focus, Mazda Tribute, Ford Escort, Mercury Cougar, Ford Contour, and Mercury Mystique applications.

Key Features

  • Gates PowerGrip timing belt tensioner design
  • Spring-style tensioner for consistent belt loading
  • Plastic construction
  • Smooth/backside contact surface
  • Single pulley design with 60 mm outside diameter
  • 8 mm inside diameter and 29 mm width
  • OE-quality or OE-exact fit and performance

Product Details

The Gates Timing Belt Tensioner, part number T43003, is engineered for engine timing belt service where accurate tension is critical to belt life and valve train operation. Gates PowerGrip timing tensioners are developed and tested to match OE-style fit and performance, helping keep the timing belt properly loaded throughout operation. This part cross-references Cloyes 9-5479 for the same application. It is a strong match for drivers searching for a timing belt tensioner for 2001-2004 Ford Escape, 2000-2004 Ford Focus, or 2001-2004 Mazda Tribute service work.

Common Problems This Part Addresses

  • Timing belt slack caused by a worn tensioner
  • Noise from a weak or inconsistent spring tensioner
  • Uneven belt loading that can shorten belt life
  • Timing system service on interference-engine applications
  • Loss of proper belt tension after extended mileage

Installation Notes and Tips

Verify engine code and timing system configuration before installation, especially on Ford Focus and Ford Escort models noted for interference-engine applications. Inspect the timing belt, pulleys, and related valve train components during service, since a new tensioner works best with a properly aligned and condition-checked timing system. Confirm the part number T43003 against the vehicle application before assembly.

Quality Assurance

Gates designs PowerGrip timing tensioners to OE-quality or OE-exact standards and tests them to support stable belt tension and reliable timing belt operation. The Gates T43003 is intended for direct-fit replacement use in select Ford, Mazda, and Mercury vehicles.

This part fits 44 vehicles
Always verify fitment with your vehicle's VIN if unsure. Submodel & trim restrictions may apply.
YearMakeModelSubmodelLitersCylindersFuel TypePositionNotes
2004FordEscape—2.0LL4GASN/ATiming Belt Tensioner
2004FordFocusZTS2.0LL4GASN/ACompatible with interference engines.; Timing Belt Tensioner
2004FordFocusZX32.0LL4GASN/ACompatible with interference engines.; Timing Belt Tensioner
2004FordFocusZX52.0LL4GASN/ACompatible with interference engines.; Timing Belt Tensioner
2004FordFocusZTW2.0LL4GASN/ACompatible with interference engines.; Timing Belt Tensioner
2004FordFocusSE2.0LL4GASN/ACompatible with interference engines.; Timing Belt Tensioner
2004MazdaTribute—2.0LL4GASN/ATiming Belt Tensioner
2003FordEscape—2.0LL4GASN/ATiming Belt Tensioner
2003FordEscort—2.0LL4GASN/ACompatible with interference engines.; Timing Belt Tensioner
2003FordFocusSE2.0LL4GASN/ACompatible with interference engines.; Timing Belt Tensioner
2003FordFocusZTW2.0LL4GASN/ACompatible with interference engines.; Timing Belt Tensioner
2003FordFocusZX32.0LL4GASN/ACompatible with interference engines.; Timing Belt Tensioner
2003FordFocusZX52.0LL4GASN/ACompatible with interference engines.; Timing Belt Tensioner
2003FordFocusZTS2.0LL4GASN/ACompatible with interference engines.; Timing Belt Tensioner
2003MazdaTribute—2.0LL4GASN/ATiming Belt Tensioner
2002FordEscape—2.0LL4GASN/ATiming Belt Tensioner
2002FordEscort—2.0LL4GASN/ACompatible with interference engines.; Timing Belt Tensioner
2002FordFocusZX52.0LL4GASN/ACompatible with interference engines.; Timing Belt Tensioner
2002FordFocusZX32.0LL4GASN/ACompatible with interference engines.; Timing Belt Tensioner
2002FordFocusZTW2.0LL4GASN/ACompatible with interference engines.; Timing Belt Tensioner
2002FordFocusZTS2.0LL4GASN/ACompatible with interference engines.; Timing Belt Tensioner
2002FordFocusSE2.0LL4GASN/ACompatible with interference engines.; Timing Belt Tensioner
2002MazdaTribute—2.0LL4GASN/ATiming Belt Tensioner
2002MercuryCougar—2.0LL4GASN/ATiming Belt Tensioner
2001FordEscape—2.0LL4GASN/ATiming Belt Tensioner
2001FordEscort—2.0LL4GASN/ACompatible with interference engines.; Timing Belt Tensioner
2001FordFocus—2.0LL4GASN/ACompatible with interference engines.; Timing Belt Tensioner
2001MazdaTribute—2.0LL4GASN/ATiming Belt Tensioner
2001MercuryCougar—2.0LL4GASN/ATiming Belt Tensioner
2000FordContour—2.0LL4BI-FUELN/ATiming Belt Tensioner
2000FordContour—2.0LL4GASN/ATiming Belt Tensioner
2000FordEscort—2.0LL4GASN/ACompatible with interference engines.; Timing Belt Tensioner
2000FordFocus—2.0LL4GASN/ACompatible with interference engines.; Timing Belt Tensioner
2000MercuryCougar—2.0LL4GASN/ATiming Belt Tensioner
2000MercuryMystique—2.0LL4GASN/ATiming Belt Tensioner
1999FordContour—2.0LL4BI-FUELN/ATiming Belt Tensioner
1999FordContour—2.0LL4GASN/ATiming Belt Tensioner
1999FordEscort—2.0LL4GASN/ACompatible with interference engines.; Timing Belt Tensioner
1999MercuryCougar—2.0LL4GASN/ATiming Belt Tensioner
1999MercuryMystique—2.0LL4GASN/ATiming Belt Tensioner
1998FordContour—2.0LL4BI-FUELN/ATiming Belt Tensioner
1998FordContour—2.0LL4GASN/ATiming Belt Tensioner
1998FordEscort—2.0LL4GASN/ACompatible with interference engines.; Timing Belt Tensioner
1998MercuryMystique—2.0LL4GASN/ATiming Belt Tensioner
Directly replaces or cross-references 11 part numbers
Cross-reference numbers are provided for identification purposes only. Always confirm fitment before ordering.
AP Exhaust — 48003Cloyes — 9-5479Dorman - Conduct-Tite — 85496Gates — T430032M5V 6K254 AA978M 6K254 AD979341979341AF8CZ 6K254 AAFS99323VKM54003