A tensioner assembly includes a mounting bushing having an opening therethrough and a shaft having at least one threaded region along its axial length, the shaft extending through the opening. A mounting nut is threaded onto the shaft. A seating surface extends from the shaft at a position intermediate the mounting bushing and the mounting nut. A spring is disposed around the shaft between the mounting bushing and the seating surface. A first end of the spring is positioned against the seating surface so as to be fixed at the intermediate position along the shaft regardless of a distance between the mounting bushing and the mounting nut, a second end of the spring is positioned toward the mounting bushing.