Gates 38120 belt tensioner for the 1988-1991 Buick LeSabre V6 3.8L and other vehicles holds the accessory drive belt under steady tension. Sometimes listed as a serpentine belt tensioner, it keeps tension on the V-ribbed belt that turns the engine's accessories.
- DriveAlign automatic belt drive tensioner from Gates
- Patented labyrinth seal protects the internal components
- Patented vibration-damping system absorbs extreme vibration to extend tensioner, belt and accessory life
- Torsional round spring design for reliability and consistent tension
- Smooth pulley for the back of the belt, 82 mm outside diameter
Quick facts
- Part: Gates 38120 belt tensioner
- Also called: serpentine belt tensioner
- Fits: 1988-1991 Buick LeSabre V6 3.8L and other vehicles
- Material: Steel
- Condition: New
A squealing or chirping belt, a fluttering belt or a wobbling tensioner pulley can mean the tensioner is wearing out. These signs alone do not prove the tensioner is the problem, since a stretched or glazed belt can make similar noise, so find the cause before you replace it.
Fits
It is listed for a wide range of Buick, Oldsmobile and Pontiac models, including the 1988-1991 Buick Reatta V6 3.8L and the 1990-1991 Buick Regal V6 3.8L. If your car is another one of those makes, find your year and engine in the "Vehicles it fits" section, where the remaining models are covered. This listing is one tensioner, which is the quantity the belt drive takes.
Specifications
Fit and size
- Quantity per vehicle: 1
- Outside diameter: 82 mm (3.23 in)
- Bearing bore inside diameter: 17 mm (0.67 in)
- Pulley width: 30.5 mm (1.2 in)
- Mounting holes: 6
Build and materials
- Material: Steel
- Belt type: V-ribbed
- Pulley contact surface: smooth, for the back of the belt
- Grade: OE Exact
- Condition: New
- Country of origin: Canada
In the box
One belt tensioner assembly.
Interchange: 305243 · 89243 · 45880 · 25530076 · 49221 · 999068A · 999068
This part cross-references / interchanges with the following part numbers:
38120, 305243, 89243, 45880, 25530076, 49221, 999068A, 999068
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Gates 38120 a Buick LeSabre belt tensioner for the 1988-1991 V6 3.8L?
Yes. Gates 38120 is listed for the 1988-1991 Buick LeSabre V6 3.8L. This listing is one tensioner, the quantity the belt drive takes.
What size is the pulley on this belt tensioner?
The Gates 38120 pulley is 82 mm (3.23 in) across and 30.5 mm (1.2 in) wide, with a smooth surface for the back of the belt and a 17 mm bearing bore.
What does the labyrinth seal on this tensioner do?
The patented labyrinth seal protects the internal components of this tensioner so it can meet or exceed OE life expectancy requirements.
What are the signs of a failing Gates drive belt tensioner?
A squealing or chattering belt, a fluttering belt, or a pulley that wobbles with the engine off and cool can all be signs. A shop can test the tensioner with the engine running.
Can the Gates 38120 replace a belt tensioner numbered 305243?
Yes. 305243 is one of the numbers this Gates 38120 belt tensioner replaces; the Interchange line on this page lists the others.
