Belt Tensioner Brands

[DannyM]

There are several brands as most of you know.. My question is has anybody bought a NEW lesser known brand tensioner that went bad? . If so.. which brand was it ?

Many of them look so similar to the popular brands I wonder if they all come from a handful of the same factories.

 

[Elroy the Brave]

I bought a BANDO brand belt for a vehicle recently (a Ford Duratec 3.0 V6) and it worked out fine.

It was the cheapest option on Rock Auto, but no issues.

 

[Lubener]

Other than OEM, the brands are basically the same name as the belt makers. I think the are same. I wouldn't be concerned over brands.

 

[DannyM]

I bought a BANDO brand belt for a vehicle recently (a Ford Duratec 3.0 V6) and it worked out fine.

It was the cheapest option on Rock Auto, but no issues.

Yes they are a popular brand in belts.. I have used them..

but I am specifically referring to the TENSIONERS..

 

[kschachn]

I've only ever purchased OEM or ones with known brands such as Koyo or SKF.

 

[D60]

I always thought the issue with inexpensive tensioners could be a weak spring/insufficient tension?

 

[DannyM]

I always thought the issue with inexpensive tensioners could be a weak spring/insufficient tension?

good point !

 

[drtyler]

Given how infrequently they need to be replaced, just buy a dealer tensioner. If its a European car, INA are good in the aftermarket. Otherwise its an unknown that I don’t want to deal with.

 

[Trav]

There are several brands as most of you know.. My question is has anybody bought a NEW lesser known brand tensioner that went bad? . If so.. which brand was it ?

Many of them look so similar to the popular brands I wonder if they all come from a handful of the same factories.

What vehicle is this for?

 

[SC Maintenance]

I had 2 OEM Nissan belt tensioners fail in warranty on my Xterra. When the warranty was up the 3rd failed and I put on a Gates. Its still there, 10 years later.

No idea who makes the Nissan ones. I pre-emptively replaced it on my Frontier before I had further problems - again with Gates.

Given a Gates tensioner is $35, I wouldn't mess with anything else personally.

 

[2EHA]

they’re either rebadged littens or china specials

 

[Bighorn2500]

Usually just get the Gates kit which includes the belt & tensioner.

 

[DannyM]

What vehicle is this for?

Acura TSX

 

[zzyzzx]

they’re either rebadged littens or china specials

How do I make sure it's a rebranded Litens?
https://www.litens.com/
I know they make Motorcraft, OE Ford, Gates (at least some of the time).

https://www.shoplitens.com/

 

[sh40674]

I prefer dayco when it comes to belts and tensioners