Gates Tensioner Ford F-150 3V 5.4L

Gates Tensioner Ford F-150 3V 5.4L

Gates Tensioner Ford F-150 3V 5.4L

Exact replacement for my 2007 Ford Expedition EL Limited (5.4L 3v v8)

Got rid of the annoying fake supercharger whining noise from my truck. While it was only the bearing that had gone bad, I chose the replace the entire assembly.

Few things to note:
1. The pulley end of the tensioner may not have lateral play and rotate true, but the bearing can still be very broken.
2. The pulley should not spin endlessly when you spin it by hand. It should have a bit of rolling resistance for proper operation (but should be smooth).
3. You can just replace the bearing in the pulley, but it's in there very very very very tight.
4. You cannot "WD 40" the bearing to bring it back to life
5. Bearing is $4, pulley and bearing is $12-15 and this whole tensioner with pulley and bearing is $25-30. 

Used this tensioner to replace my OEM one on my 2007 Ford F-150 3V 5.4L. Feels and looks just like the OEM unit I took off. Very easy install. I was hesitant to tackle this job myself, but after completion, I realized it was very simple. I replaced the tensioner, two smooth pulleys, one ribbed pulley, and the belt (all Gates).
Gates Tensioner Ford F-150 3V 5.4L

Gates Tensioner Gates 38278 Belt Tensioner

Gates Tensioner  Gates 38278 Belt Tensioner

Gates Tensioner  Gates 38278 Belt Tensioner

This is actually the OEM supplier of this part on the Honda Element. I purchased it because gates is known for quality products. Upon removal of the old belt tensioner from my Honda Element I noticed it said "Made in Canada" stamped on it, when I opened the package from amazon I noticed the box said "Made in Canada" and when I inspected the part it was in fact the same tensioner that I removed from the vehicle; it had "Made in Canada" stamped on the same location. So if you're the kind of person who likes to purchase OEM parts when possible this is it. The product was of good quality and I changed it because the original had developed a rattle. The car is much quieter now so I'm satisfied and I saved some money purchasing through amazon! 

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Gates Tensioner  Gates 38278 Belt Tensioner

Gates Tensioner Gates 38163 Belt Tensioner Assembly

Gates Tensioner Gates 38163 Belt Tensioner Assembly

Gates Tensioner Gates 38163 Belt Tensioner Assembly

I drive a 2006 Jeep Wrangler with 4.0L engine. I have reached 85,000 miles and had already replaced the serpentine belt. I have read that it is also recommended I replace the idler pulley and automatic belt tensioner.

The Gates 38163 is almost completely identical to the original OEM Chrysler/Mopar part.

Here is my experience installing it.

Things you'll need:

* 1/2in drive breaker bar
* 3/8in. drive ratchet wrench
* 3/8in. drive Torx T40 bit
* (optional) new small rubber grommet
* (optional) thread locking compound

First, it is a good idea to take a picture of your serpentine belt and how it winds around your engine and pulleys.. There is supposed to be a belt routing diagram on your radiator, but often this label is often damaged. A picture is worth a thousand words.

Depending on your tools, it may be easier to remove the fan shroud and clutch fan so they won't get in the way. I won't cover this here.

Insert the square part of your breaker bar tool into the square hole in the middle of the tensioner arm. You turn the breaker bar to tighten the arm spring and remove tension from the belt. While holding your breaker bar, carefully remove the belt from one of the pulleys - then carefully relax the arm. Remove your breaker bar. The tensioner arm (and serpentine belt) is now ready for removal.

Attach a high quality Torx T40 bit to your ratchet and carefully remove the bolt securing your old tensioner arm to your engine. Take care not to strip the head as you loosen the bolt! You will reuse this bolt on your new belt tensioner.

Once you've released your old tensioner arm, do not remove the bolt from tensioner arm yet.Read more

Gates Tensioner Gates 38163 Belt Tensioner Assembly