The Technical Truth About Belt Tensioners: Plastic vs. Steel Tensioner Pulleys - How Important Is Performance?

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May 2001

Form No. 433-0794

The Technical Truth About Belt Tensioners


Plastic vs. steel tensioner pulleys how important is performance?
The bearings inside a tensioner pulley absorb enormous heat during operation. Heat is their worst enemy and is the key cause of bearing failure. The thermal properties of steel pulleys make them the OEM choice for long-lasting performance. Heres why:

Steel Pulleys
Metal deflects dirt and grit particles in high contamination environments to protect belt performance. Metal resists abrasion to maintain proper belt alignment. The thermal properties of steel dissipate and distribute heat more evenly and efficiently to protect bearings longer. Bearings do not distort significantly when pressed into a steel pulley. Bearings that maintain correct roundness last longer.

Plastic Pulleys
Dirt and grit embed in the plastic surface and act like sandpaper on the backside of the belt, leading to early belt failure. Plastic is less abrasion resistant. Abrasion can lead to belt misalignment and can even cause a belt to fly off the drive. Plastic retains heat longer because it acts as an insulator rather than a conductor. As heat increases, the bearings essentially cook and degrade performance further. Bearings can distort during the molding process as the plastic shrinks around the bearing. Out-of-round bearings have a shorter operating life. Some manufacturers specify higher tolerances for bearing grease to ensure longer-lasting pulley performance.

Why Choose Gates?


Gates builds its automatic belt tensioners using primarily steel pulleys for maximum performance. Unlike so-called universal tensioners, Gates tensioners look, fit and perform like the OE, and require no retrofitting to make them work. Gates tensioners bolt on just like the tensioner you took off. Choosing the right tensioners is easier when you choose Gates.

The Worlds Most Trusted Name in Belts, Hose and Hydraulics. The Gates Rubber Company 900 S. Broadway Denver, CO 80217-5887 www.gates.com

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