Drive Band Tensioner Parts for Sidekick

The poly drive band has a memory and can be used with any whorl. Sometimes you will need to tension the drive band, especially when you move from a slower (larger) whorl to a faster (smaller) whorl. If you find that the drive band is slipping, place the drive band over the pulley of the tensioner, located at the back of the wheel on the center brace).

When you are not spinning, remove the drive band from the tensioner; this will extend the life of the drive band.

Spring only

1. The spring attaches to a screw in the center brace. Unscrew the old spring from this screw, then unhook it from the tensioner arm.
2. Hook the new spring to the tensioner arm. Attach the spring to the screw in the center brace.

Tensioner Kit

This kit includes an assembled tensioner, a 10-24 x 1-1/4" machine screw, a washer, a 1/4-20 lock nut, and a 1/4-20 slim lock nut. If the hardware holding the tensioner to the left wheel side is still firmly attached, you do not need to remove it and replace it—skip steps below as directed.

You'll also receive a 2" machine screw and a spring with an insert; these parts hold the spring to the center brace. You'll need to replace the spring but do not have to replace the 2" screw unless it's lost or damaged.

1. Unscrew the spring from the screw in the center brace.
2. Use a 7/16" or adjustable wrench to remove the slim lock nut. (If you're not replacing all the hardware, skip to Step 6.)
3. Remove the tensioner from the screw in the left wheel side. Remove the lock nut and washer from the screw shaft. Remove the screw.
4. From the outer face of the left side, insert the new 1-1/4" screw into the hole.
5. Add the new washer and new 1/4" lock nut (the thicker one) to the screw shaft. Tighten the nut snugly—you'll need a #2 Phillips screwdriver and a 7/16" wrench.
6. Add the tensioner to the screw shaft. Hang the spring from the hole in the tensioner arm.
7. Add the slim 1/4-20 lock nut. Tighten until you can see the tip of the screw shaft—the tensioner has to move freely on the screw.
8. If necessary, install the new 2" machine screw from the bottom up through the center brace.
9. Attach the spring to the screw in the center brace.