honda accord idler pulley and automatic tensioner
 

hey all, so i have a noise coming from my tensioner area. I replaced the tensioner pulley but to no avail. I then tried to replace the idler pulley, but when I went to pull the bolt out, I couldn't bc it hit the frame (wheel well). I let my mechanic look at it real quick (literally like 30 sec) and he seemed to think the whole automatic tensioner needed replacement. So my first question is, is there any way to determine if the problem is the whole tensioner unit or just the idler pulley? And second, is there any way of getting off the idler pulley (or automatic tensioner for that matter) without having to take out the motor? thanks for your help

What is this, a 72 Pinto?

Well, since it has a spring-loaded tensioner, I guess it's 2003 or newer?
V-6? 4-cyl?

Wow...it's been a long day. Sorry about that! Honda Accord 2004 EX V6 thanks

I had a 4-cyl on my 2003, so not sure about yours.

Looks like there's a nut on the back of the bolt for the tensioner pulley, but the idler just has a LONG bolt. Maybe you can just raise or lower the engine a bit, not actually remove it?

More likely, taking the alternator bracket off the engine is easier than moving the engine.
What about removing both bolts #7 & #14, then the tensioner might come off with the long bolt still inserted?
http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/...da01_e0601.png

Thanks for the reply. Not sure about taking those bolts out. I would really love it if I could take the alternator or tensioner out without taking engine out...would love to hear what others have to say. Thanks for your help

Nobody else can help?

I think that Jim meant to raise or lower the engine so you can slide the long bolt out. I am not familiar with the V6 setup. Can you post a picture of it?

In the online manuals thread in the DIY section, there is a spooner link that has an 04 Acura TL shop manual. There are no 03+ accord manuals on that site.

I find it crazy that you would have to raise or lower the engine to change a tensioner. Sounds like something GM would do.

In the TL shop manual, it says to remove a splash shield then remove the bolts. I wonder if a splash shield is what is in the way?

So I guess there is no one that has actually dealt with this? I will try to post pics, though I have no idea how I will get the right angle to take them, in the next day or so. Thanks for your help.

there is a bulletin on this on how to do the job properly 08-082.. nov 1 2008.,, it explains in details how to do the job,, you have to trim part of the lower t-belt cover off

maybe someone can find it and post it, so you can see the pictures ,,, I do not have a scanner to do so,,