Aux belt tensioner - metal or plastic?

[Niall.b]

just got 2 new tensioners from VW, one has the plastic wheel, the other has a 2 piece metal wheel. other than that they're identical. is the metal one an upgrade and a better option than the plastic?

 

[Niall.b]

Any ideas?

 

[DXX]

Any ideas?View attachment 110277

I can’t make out the numbers on the boxes or tensioners but the suffix shows the revision so the later suffix (I think it’s letters) will be the latest revision.
That doesn‘t make it any better though!
Edit; the one on the left is revision AP, can’t read the one on the right (plastic)

 

[Niall.b]

Hi DDX, thanks for the response.
both are same part number, 038-903-315, then plastic one is AN and the metal AP
think i'll go with the metal one, nightmare to remove too

 

[DXX]

Hi DDX, thanks for the response.
both are same part number, 038-903-315, then plastic one is AN and the metal AP
think i'll go with the metal one, nightmare to remove too

The plastic one is the later version then, there maybe a good engineering reason for the change or it may be a simple cost reduction.
You could try asking a VW technician, I’ve never managed to get past the suit in the office when I’ve tried.

 

[Niknak]

Hi DDX, thanks for the response.
both are same part number, 038-903-315, then plastic one is AN and the metal AP
think i'll go with the metal one, nightmare to remove too

Do one on a crafter then you’ll not mind doing it in a transporter

 

[Niall.b]

Ill remember that Niknak, thansporters bad enough thanks

 

[James1000]

Was told today by my VW specialist at 3rd attempt to sort squeal (I did tell them when it went in for cam belt !!) that the tensioner was not in stock and in back order for 10 days at least. Why do they always insist on TPS because after one call an 80 mile round trip I plonked the tensioner on their desk!!