02/08/2021
The Gates timing belt tensioner T43173 is used in a wide range of Volvo models and some Ford models with 2.0, 2.3, 2.4 and 2.5 litre gas engines. Some mechanics have encountered problems either with this tensioner or with the T43139 tensioner, which is very similar in design. More specifically, they have reported cracks in the tensioner back plate. While the problem is often assumed to be a manufacturing defect; closer examination of the cases in question has brought to light a common installation error, which we tackle in this article.
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