If your Honda Accord is making a strange squealing or rattling noise from the engine bay, a worn-out tensioner is often the culprit. This guide will show you exactly how to replace Honda Accord tensioner yourself, saving you time and money on a mechanic.
A faulty tensioner can’t maintain proper pressure on the serpentine belt, leading to slippage, poor accessory performance, and even a broken belt. Replacing it is a very manageable DIY job with the right tools and a bit of patience.
We’ll walk you through every step, from identifying the part to the final test. Let’s get started.
How To Replace Honda Accord Tensioner
Before you begin, it’s crucial to gather all necessary tools and parts. Working methodically is the key to a smooth installation. Always disconnect the battery and allow the engine to cool completely before starting any work.
Tools and Parts You Will Need
- Replacement belt tensioner assembly (make sure it’s for your specific Accord year and engine)
- New serpentine belt (highly recommended to replace while you’re there)
- Socket set and ratchet (typically a 14mm, 17mm, and 19mm are used)
- Long breaker bar or a dedicated serpentine belt tool
- Safety glasses and work gloves
- Flashlight or work light
- A piece of chalk or a marker (optional, for belt routing)
Safety First: Precautions
Always disconnect the negative battery cable before starting. This prevents any accidental engine cranking. The engine and components should be cool to the touch to avoid burns.
Wear eye protection throughout the process. Springs in the tensioner can be under extreme pressure, thought they are contained in the assembly.
Step 1: Locate and Identify the Tensioner
Open the hood and locate the serpentine belt. The tensioner is the pulley mounted on a spring-loaded arm, usually with a square hole for a breaker bar. On most Honda Accord models, it’s clearly visible on the front of the engine.
Consult your owner’s manual for a belt routing diagram if needed. It’s often on a sticker in the engine bay too.
Step 2: Relieve the Belt Tension
Insert your breaker bar or serpentine belt tool into the square hole on the tensioner arm. Slowly rotate the tensioner toward the engine (the direction is usually marked on the tensioner itself).
This will compress the spring and create slack in the belt. Once there’s enough slack, carefully slide the belt off one of the easier-to-reach pulleys, like the alternator pulley. Then, release the tension slowly and remove the belt from all the other pulleys.
Take a photo of the belt routing with your phone or use chalk to mark the path on the engine. This is your reference for installing the new belt.
Step 3: Remove the Old Tensioner Assembly
With the belt off, you can now remove the tensioner itself. It’s held on by one or two bolts. Using your socket set, loosen and remove these bolts completely.
Note that there may be a electrical connector on some models if the tensioner has an associated sensor. If so, carefully disconnect it. The old tensioner can now be lifted out.
Compare the old and new tensioners to ensure they are identical. Check the pulley spins smoothly on the new one without any grinding.
Step 4: Install the New Tensioner
Position the new tensioner in place. If it had a sensor connector, reconnect it now. Hand-thread the mounting bolts to start, ensuring they aren’t cross-threaded.
Tighten the bolts to the manufacturer’s specification. This is usually found in a repair manual, but a good rule is to tighten them firmly and securely, but avoid over-torquing which can strip the threads.
Step 5: Route and Install the New Serpentine Belt
Refer to your photo or chalk marks. Route the new belt around all the pulleys except the tensioner pulley last. Ensure it’s seated correctly in every pulley groove.
Again, insert your breaker bar into the tensioner’s square hole. Rotate the tensioner to create maximum slack. Slide the belt onto the tensioner pulley.
Double-check the belt is routed correctly on every single pulley. A misrouted belt will cause immediate damage when the engine starts.
Step 6: Final Checks and Testing
Visually confirm the belt is centered on all pulleys. Gently pull on it to ensure the tensioner has taken up the slack. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
Start the engine and let it run for a minute. Listen for any squealing or chirping sounds. Observe the belt to make sure it runs smoothly without wobbling or walking off a pulley.
Turn on all electrical accessories (A/C, headlights, defroster) to put load on the system. This tests the tensioner under stress. If everything is quiet and stable, you’ve successfully completed the job.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to disconnect the battery.
- Not checking the belt routing twice before starting the engine.
- Over-tightening the tensioner mounting bolts.
- Using the wrong tensioner for your specific engine model.
- Not replacing the belt when it’s already off and possibly worn.
Signs Your New Tensioner Might Be Faulty
Even new parts can sometimes be defective. If you here a persistent chirping from a new tensioner, the bearing might be bad. A wobbling pulley is another sign of a problem.
If the belt seems too loose or too tight compared to before, the tensioner spring mechanism may not be functioning correctly. Address these issues immediately to avoid belt damage.
FAQ Section
How long does it take to replace a Honda Accord tensioner?
For a first-timer, allow 1 to 2 hours. With experience, you can do it in under 45 minutes. Having all tools ready speeds things up.
Can I drive with a bad tensioner?
It is not recommended. A failing tensioner can cause the belt to slip or break, leading to loss of power steering, alternator, and cooling. This can strand you or cause engine overheating.
How much does a mechanic charge to replace a tensioner?
Labor costs vary, but you can expect to pay between $150 and $300 for professional installation, plus the cost of parts. Doing it yourself typically costs just the price of the parts.
Should I replace the idler pulleys too?
It’s a good idea to inspect them. Spin each idler pulley by hand. If they make noise, feel gritty, or have wobble, replace them while the belt is off. Its preventative maintenance.
What’s the difference between a timing belt tensioner and a serpentine belt tensioner?
They are completely different. This article covers the serpentine (accessory drive) belt tensioner. The timing belt tensioner is inside the engine and its replacement is a much larger, critical job.
Why is my new belt squealing after replacement?
A short squeal for a day is sometimes normal as the belt seats. Persistent squealing often means the belt is misrouted, a pulley is misaligned, or the new tensioner itself is faulty. Re-check your work.
Replacing your Honda Accord’s belt tensioner is a straightforward repair that restores quiet, reliable operation. By following these steps carefully, you can ensure your car’s accessories run smoothly for miles to come. Remember to always prioritize safety and double-check your work before starting the engine.