A-Premium APBT0320
A-Premium Belt Tensioner Assembly with Pulley
Model: APBT0320
Brand: A-Premium
1. Introduction
The A-Premium Belt Tensioner Assembly with Pulley is a high-quality replacement component designed to maintain proper tension on your vehicle's accessory drive belt. This ensures efficient power transmission to various engine accessories, reduces belt slippage, and minimizes noise and vibration. This manual provides essential information for the correct installation, operation, and maintenance of your new belt tensioner.

Figure 1: A-Premium Belt Tensioner Assembly, top view.
2. Product Features
The A-Premium Belt Tensioner Assembly is engineered for durability and optimal performance, incorporating several key features:
- Smooth and Quiet Operation: Designed to operate without excessive noise or friction, contributing to a quieter engine.
- Sturdy & Durable Construction: Manufactured with high-quality materials to withstand the demanding conditions of an engine bay, ensuring long-lasting reliability.
- Consistent Tension Maintenance: Features a robust coil spring that applies the correct amount of force to the belt, preventing slippage and maintaining efficient power transfer.
- Eliminates Pinch Point Hazards: Engineered for safe operation, reducing the risk of belt pinching or damage.
- Reduced Assembly Effort: Designed for straightforward installation, minimizing the complexity of replacement.
- OE Fit, Form, and Function: Manufactured to rigid specifications to ensure it matches the original equipment part for seamless integration and performance.

Figure 2: Key features of the A-Premium Belt Tensioner Assembly.

Figure 3: Benefits of replacing a worn tensioner, showing improved condition.
3. Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | PremiumpartsWhosale |
| Brand | A-Premium |
| Item Weight | 3.67 pounds |
| Package Dimensions | 7.48 x 4.72 x 3.74 inches |
| Manufacturer Part Number | APBT0320 |
| OEM Part Numbers | 38505, 199007, 8073465, 8079517, DC090899000, RE57498 |
| Pulley Quantity | 1 |
| Belt Type | V-Ribbed |
| Outside Diameter | 2.95 inches |
| Bearing Bore Inside Diameter | 1.18 inches |
| Width | 1.57 inches |
4. Installation and Operation
Proper installation is crucial for the performance and longevity of your A-Premium Belt Tensioner Assembly. This component is designed to provide consistent tension to the serpentine belt, ensuring all engine accessories (like the alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor) operate correctly.
4.1 Important Installation Notice
ATTENTION: Please use the appropriate shop manual for your specific vehicle to obtain detailed service instructions. If you do not have an installation manual or possess sufficient skill to install this part, it is strongly recommended that you seek assistance from a qualified mechanic.
4.2 General Installation Steps (Consult Vehicle-Specific Manual)
- Safety First: Ensure the vehicle is turned off, the engine is cool, and the battery is disconnected before beginning any work.
- Locate the Tensioner: Identify the existing belt tensioner on your vehicle's engine.
- Relieve Belt Tension: Use the appropriate tool (often a breaker bar or specific tensioner tool) to rotate the tensioner arm and relieve tension on the serpentine belt. Carefully remove the belt from the pulleys.
- Remove Old Tensioner: Unbolt and remove the old belt tensioner from its mounting point. Note the orientation and any shims or spacers.
- Install New Tensioner: Position the new A-Premium Belt Tensioner Assembly and secure it with the mounting bolts. Ensure it is properly aligned.
- Reinstall Serpentine Belt: Route the serpentine belt according to your vehicle's diagram. Use the tensioner tool to rotate the tensioner arm, allowing you to slip the belt over the last pulley. Slowly release the tensioner arm.
- Verify Installation: Double-check that the belt is correctly seated on all pulleys and that the tensioner is securely mounted.
- Reconnect Battery: Reconnect the vehicle's battery.
- Test Operation: Start the engine and observe the belt and tensioner for smooth operation, proper tension, and absence of unusual noises.

Figure 4: Illustration of a belt tensioner installation, emphasizing ease of installation.

Figure 5: Detailed view of the tensioner, highlighting professional manufacturing.
Video 1: A-Premium Accessory Drive Belt Tensioner Pulley Assembly. This video demonstrates the internal components, manufacturing quality, and the function of the tensioner in an engine system, showing how it provides tension and ensures proper component operation.
5. Maintenance
The A-Premium Belt Tensioner Assembly is designed for long-term, maintenance-free operation. However, regular inspection of your vehicle's serpentine belt system is recommended as part of routine vehicle maintenance.
- Visual Inspection: Periodically check the tensioner and belt for signs of wear, cracks, fraying, or misalignment.
- Noise Check: Listen for any unusual noises (squealing, grinding, chirping) coming from the belt or tensioner area, which could indicate a problem.
- Pulley Condition: Ensure the pulley on the tensioner spins freely and smoothly without excessive wobble or resistance.
If any issues are observed, consult a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and repair.
6. Troubleshooting
If you experience issues with your vehicle's belt system, the belt tensioner could be a contributing factor. Here are some common symptoms and potential causes:
| Symptom | Potential Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Squealing or Chirping Noise | Worn belt, misaligned pulley, failing tensioner bearing, insufficient tension. | Inspect belt and pulleys. Check tensioner for proper movement. Replace tensioner if bearing is noisy or arm is weak. |
| Belt Slippage | Weak tensioner spring, worn belt, oil/fluid contamination on belt. | Replace tensioner if spring is weak. Replace belt if worn. Clean or replace contaminated belt. |
| Excessive Vibration from Belt System | Failing tensioner, worn pulley, misaligned components. | Inspect tensioner and all pulleys for smooth rotation and alignment. Replace faulty components. |
| Loose or Floppy Belt | Failed tensioner spring, incorrect belt length. | Replace the tensioner. Ensure correct belt length is used. |
For complex issues or if you are unsure about the diagnosis, it is always best to consult a certified automotive technician.
7. Warranty and Support
A-Premium offers a one-year unlimited-mileage guarantee on this meticulously crafted belt tensioner assembly. This warranty covers defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service.
For warranty claims, technical support, or further inquiries, please contact A-Premium customer service through the retailer where the product was purchased or visit the official A-Premium store online:
Please retain your proof of purchase for all warranty-related matters.
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