Audi VW Belt Tensioner Assembly - Genuine VW Audi 038903315AN

Product Information

Accessories such as alternators, power steering pumps, water pumps, and A/C compressors are commonly powered by an accessory drive belt, also sometimes called a serpentine belt. For these to all function correctly, an accessory drive belt tensioner applies the proper amount of tension on the belt to keep it from slipping and ensure the entire system is running smoothly.

There are three main styles of accessory belt tensioners, the most popular being the “Automatic” tensioner. An automatic accessory drive belt tensioner is spring-loaded to maintain constant tension on the belt. Some European cars use a hydraulic-style tensioner, which is slightly more complicated but less prone to bouncing or vibrations if one of the accessories is not in top shape. Finally, a manual accessory drive belt tensioner uses a screw and an arm that needs to be manually adjusted. These are usually found on classic cars and need to be checked as part of regular maintenance.

When an automatic tensioner is failing, you will notice an abnormal amount of bouncing or vibration, usually in conjunction with a bad pulley bearing. Hydraulic tensioners will fail similarly, by losing their ability to damp the vibrations in the system and begin to bounce. Sometimes they can also leak, although the amount of fluid in a hydraulic tensioner is small, so it would be hard to detect. If your belt system is bouncing or wobbling due to slack in the tensioner, replace the tensioner and associated components to do a full belt service.

• Slack in the belt: If the accessory drive belt tensioner is going bad, you will notice the belt bounce and hop due to the inability of the tensioner to apply even constant pressure.
• Pulley Bearing Failure: Many accessory drive belt tensioners have a pulley integrated into the assembly. If the pulley bearing goes bad, it will cause inconsistent or excess resistance on the belt which will inhibit the ability of the tensioner to apply constant tension on the accessory drive belt
• False positives: Occasionally if another component is going bad within the accessory drive belt system, such as a power steering pump or A/C compressor, it can cause intermittent drag on the system that will appear as a faulty belt tensioner. If your belt is not running smoothly, check all the other accessories and idler pulleys to make sure they are smooth.

About Genuine VW Audi

The Volkswagen Group, also known as “VAG”, consists of Volkswagen, Audi, Lamborghini, Bentley, Bugatti, Porsche, Ducati, MAN, Scania, SEAT, and Skoda. The original parts used by VAG to build your car are available as replacement parts under the “Genuine VAG” brand. Manufactured under the direction of VAG, expect excellent quality and a premium price since these parts are available exclusively through the VAG Dealership network.

You may not realize this, but the parts that make up your VAG are not necessarily manufactured by VAG. No cause for concern, as VAG designs the part, hires a manufacturer, and ensures its quality to you. In fact, many of these manufacturers have been making parts for VAG for decades. In our industry these manufacturers are called OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers), and these are often brands you recognize, including Lemforder, ZF, Sachs, Bosch, Valeo, Zimmermann, Siemens VDO, Corteco, and more. Don’t be surprised to open that Genuine VAG parts box and find an OEM branded part inside, simply with the addition of a VAG logo.

Be sure to keep an eye out for OE tags on our product pages to quickly identify parts coming direct from OE manufacturers. That extra bit of insight could save you some serious money while shopping! Refer to our OE Academy for further information regarding the OE/OEM tags throughout the site.