My 2000 Acura TL engine is screeching on starting up, especially when colder weather. From what I've been reading, its the Serpentine belt.

My car has 94000 miles on it, and I don't think its been replaced, although I got the timing belt, water pump etc done at 90K (10 years)

Should I consider replacing the belt tensioner too? How do I tell if it needs replacement? Does the whole tensioner assembly need replacement, or just the pulley?

Brand recommendations will be welcome.

I see a 6 groove Goodyear Gatorback on e-bay for $12 and a belt tensioner assembly for $40

I've heard general comments on this forum that Goodyear / Gates / Bando / Dayco are decent.

 

I would replace both,,my 01s tensioner went at 80k
and cost way more than 40 bucks to get it local !!

double ck that includes the tensioner AND its pulley already mounted
gates belts are well trusted

 

How many tensioners are there in the system, just one? (aside from the timing belt of course)

 

There is only one tensioner for the serpentine belt. Check the DIYs for how to replace it. You will need to remove the oil dipstick tube, and removing the fender wheel well will also make it easier.

 

Thanks.

Ive seen it referred as a couple different things (a/c tensioner, just tensioner, etc) and wanted to make sure there is only one.