I knew at the last timing belt change that I sensed that the bearing for the accessory belt tensioner was not up to par. When the dealer finished the timing belt (another story) they recommended that the tensioner be replaced. So I ordered a $10 bearing from my favorite dealer (Tempe Acura) and attempted to change out the bearing.

It is cheaper to replace the bearing than to replace the whole tensioner when there really isn't anything wrong with it.

I am posting this to save someone else the grief and frustration I am going through.

The bolt that holds the bearing in place is a locking thread affair so the tensioner can be moved back to install/uninstall the belt. You cannot remove this bolt. It will snap off.

Ok, no big deal, just get another bolt and nut to fit. Wrong. Won't work. Here is why. The typical bolt will undo itself when you put pressure on it to the tensioner because there is no way to hold the bolt from turning. You could spot weld the nut/bolt, but I don't have a MIG welder.

I put in a new bolt and had to get some Loctite Red thread locker to hold the bolt/nut arrangement from moving. Once it cures there isn't any way to remove that bolt unless you have a torch to make it smoking red. (experienced this personally).

Ok, so it comes down to $10 bearing, $6 Loctite and a spare bolt/nut...vs the $115 for a new tensioner. Result is the same, but what is it you pay out of pocket is the difference.