Hi all - I just had the alternator replaced, and now the tensioner pulley is rattling. I brought the van back to the mechanic who installed the alternator (and then fixed his install after a bolt snapped), and he said the tensioner pulley is the cause of the rattling. My question is, can I replace JUST the pulley? Or do I need to replace the whole darn assembly with the idler pulley too? When I search videos on YouTube, I’ve only found videos that show the whole assembly replacement and not just the single tensioner pulley on its own. Thoughts?
greys932
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I can tell you that on the VCM models with the hydraulic tensioner that the belt used makes a HUGE difference in that rattling. I had tensioner rattle on mine (Touring model with VCM and hydraulic style tensioner) that rattled even after a new tensioner was installed. Only when I put the genuine Honda belt on it did the rattling stop. Upon closer inspection the original Honda belt is about 1mm thicker than the aftermarket belts. This small difference caused the tensioner to rattle. I have not experienced it on the coil spring style tensioners on the EX and LX models but It wouldn't surprise me if it still happened.
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Of course they're different..they're different lengths. Also, the Mitsuboshi belts you find on eBay are NOT the same as the genuine Honda belt. Been there done that. I've measured them. They may both be made by Mitsuboshi but they're not the same belt. Maybe I got fakes but that's what you often get on eBay.
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If it's the tensioner I doubt it's going to be the pulley itself. It's more likely to be the spring inside the tensioner. Again, I'd also consider what kind of belt you have on there. Bando belts, while inexpensive, good quality, and popular, are very thin and cause this type of rattling.
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So, you had an alternator installed and are still using a belt that's 7 years old? You're sure they didn't replace the belt when the did the alternator? If that's the case, I'd start with a new OEM belt since it probably needs it anyway. If the noise is still there, replace the tensioner.
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Implodes? Really? I don't think so.Wow. Sounds like a bolt or nut left inside/behind one of the pulleys.
I would have this repaired asap before it implodes.
JMO
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You put a genuine Honda belt on it?
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Well, then it must be the tensioner.
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If you use some calipers to measure the thickness if the two belts you'll see what I mean. The OE belt is thicker by 20%.
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The 12mm bolt is the one that either holds the hydraulic piston or the bottom of the mechanical tensioner. It's neither reverse thread, nor is it the 17mm dummy bolt that is for moving the tensioner.
I usually use a 1/4" flex head ratchet and 6 pointed deep socket to get those. The Harbor Freight one works fine for this. I've accessed them both from the top and the bottom.
I usually use a 1/4" flex head ratchet and 6 pointed deep socket to get those. The Harbor Freight one works fine for this. I've accessed them both from the top and the bottom.
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See above how I get them out. You just need the right combination of tools. It will come right out.
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