Litens Aftermarket recently introduced its latest OE improvement, the 999420A belt tensioner.
This new tensioner boasts improvements to the OE design, enabling an efficient belt-tensioner replacement process by a single technician, according to Litens.
“This tensioner was engineered to improve upon the OE design by addressing the challenges technicians encounter during the installation of belt tensioners, particularly in the confined spaces of engine compartments,” Litens explained in a news release. “Focusing on ease of installation, Litens integrated a design advancement to simplify the installation process significantly.”
The design upgrade is the lift feature, strategically placed in an offset position between the mounting bolts that secure the tensioner – adding an extra inch under the lip for a technician, providing greater ease of access.
Typically, a tensioner is located at the side of the engine compartment where there’s very little room for working hands to get a wrench on the tensioner to loosen the belt during installation. The configuration in the Litens tensioner facilitates easy access for technicians to position their wrench when loosening the belt, streamlining the installation process even in the tightest engine compartments, according to the company.
Additionally, the lift feature is designed for a 14-millimeter hex wrench consistent with OE design, rather than using a 15-millimeter hex wrench traditionally used on aftermarket tensioners. Consequently, Litens says, the technician has one less tool to keep track of throughout the replacement process.
“As an engineering company that manufactures parts, we recognize the struggles that come with installing these parts in tight space,” said Randy Wolters, product manager, belt-tensioning products, Litens Aftermarket. “With these design improvements we’re able to give the tech an extra set of hands and save them from the bloody knuckles you get when working in such a tight space.”
The new tensioner is available for all Mazda applications between the years 2006 through 2017, covering a total of 30,000 vehicles in operation.
