250 Part Numbers Covering Close to 200,000 vehicles
Valeo offers a comprehensive range of freewheel pulleys to complement its alternator portfolio, providing a complete service package for customers.
Designed to meet the demands of modern automotive systems, Valeo’s wide range of high-quality freewheel pulleys are compatible across numerous applications. Manufactured with premium materials, Valeo's pulleys undergo rigorous tests to ensure the highest quality and long-lasting performance.
Valeo’s offer covers all current technologies—from Overrunning Alternator Pulleys (OAP) to Overrunning Alternator Decouplers (OAD)—including the latest innovations on the market.
With more than 250 part numbers covering approximately 200,000 vehicles, Valeo's freewheel pulleys are designed to fit a wide range of models, making integration and replacement easy.
What Freewheel Pulleys Do
Freewheel pulleys are essential components of the alternator and play a critical role in ensuring the longevity and efficiency of a vehicle’s belt drive, including the belt and the tensioner.
The primary function of the freewheel pulley is to decouple the alternator from the crankshaft, thereby reducing stress on the belt drive system and enabling smoother engine operation.
By allowing the alternator rotor to spin freely when the engine slows down or stops, the freewheel pulley improves efficiency of the belt system and avoids belt flutter.
Its three primary benefits can be described as:
- Reduced vibrations and noise
- Increased lifespan of the alternator, belt, and tensioner
- Enhanced overall engine operation
Two Types of Freewheel Pulleys
Valeo’s Overrunning Alternator Pulley (OAP) and Overrunning Alternator Decoupler (OAD) are both examples of essential components of the complete alternator system.
These two freewheel pulleys, however, differ in their specifications and characteristics:
- OAP (Overrunning Alternator Pulley): Spins freely in one direction and immediately locks in the opposite direction.
- OAD (Overrunning Alternator Decoupler): Rotates freely in one direction and offers a “spring-like” resistance in the other direction.
Both consist of a pulley with an outer diameter suitable for a poly-V belt (drive), a one-way clutch unit with bearing supports, an inner ring, two seals, and a plastic end cover.
Smoother Driving Experience
For a smooth and efficient driving experience, explore Valeo’s complete range of freewheel pulleys, engineered for optimal fit and long-lasting durability.
