Hi guys,
I just got a quote for a timing belt service from a few places. The dealership quoted me for this job including the tensioner (a.k.a. automatic adjuster) replacement while a Honda/Acura repair specialist didn't. He says it's really not necessary for a 100k car to replace the tensioner. I'm more inclined towards believing the specialist just for the fact that dealers always try to sell you more than you need.

So I decided to turn to you guys (the truly unbiased audience) for advise. Is it really necessary to replace the tensioner at 100k? This is not a cheap part running close to $100 that's why i wanted to find out if I should do it or not. Thanks fellas.

Axleback

 

Its a cheap piece of mind to replace it. If it fails its time for a new motor. The have to remove the tensioner to replace teh timing belt, might as well install a new one.

 

Fsttyms is the EXPERT on these cars and is the current record holder in numerous parts longevity.

100 bucks now versus several thousand in a year when bearing fails= no brainer

After its replaced, spin the bearing and listen- now you're happy it was only $100

Have a good private shop do the work. Look in the phone book
That honda guy you talked to may not be the best place

Do seafoam treatment and install new NGK Iridium or Platinum spark plugs if you have not done so already

 

Same goes to water pump !

 

Yep
The water pump SHOULD be included in any estimate for the timing belt and tensioner
Its the next part behind all the stuff they just removed, and is a small investment in engine life. The book calls for it to all be replaced together at 105k miles, usually with the accessory belts since they took them off, might as well replace and never worry about long road trips!
If not, move on to another shop

 

Psssttt. The timing belt tensioner is a hydraulic unit. No bearings

 

replace it. end of story.

 

Thanks for all the constructive feedback. I think I'm going to shell that additional money out for the automatic adjuster. Actually, just found a site that sells OEM Acura parts at a discount. That automatic adjuster retails at $94 (which is close to what the dealer quoted me) but that site is selling it for $74. Pretty darn good deal to me.

Oh and you know what's funny? The dealer called me back (on his private cellphone) an hour ago and solicited business from me on this timing belt and water pump service for $600 with all OEM parts included. He said his friend will do it for me after hours in the dealership service shop. Although it sounds tempting with the price but I'm probably not gonna take him up on the offer given that there's no guarentee on the service and who knows what quality the job will be. But just thought I share this interesting occurrence with you guys.

Axleback

 

Dont know if this is the site you found, but many use this one including myself

http://www.acuraautomotiveparts.org/...catdisplay.jsp

 

Hey thanks fsttyms. This is interesting, the site you gave me is actually formatted very similar to the site I bought my stuff from: http://www.acuraoemparts.com/delray/...ll&ListAll=All

Wonder if they are actually the same company but with different URL.

Axleback

 

Kris

First our car has fluid filled motor mounts, now its no bearings in the tensioner

Whats next for me to learn

 

2 Different places. Both great prices. (just found the one i showed you to be quicker durring my swap)

 

1+1=2

 

If x = dollars over brain cells then
X/stupid=Ydoibother x2!!!

So that means for every $100 in mods I get 1.2 HP right

Is that wheel or crank pully measured?

 

actually its all measured by the tail pipe now!

 

At 120K miles I replaced all the belts, water pump and tensioner. I got the parts from an Acura dealer in Colorado (found on e-bay) for $218. I also discovered that my engine mounts were leaking so I replaced them as well.

The service manual doesn't mention replacing the tensioner, however if you talk to the mechanics or parts people, they recommend it. Its a good recomendation since if the hydraulic tensioner goes, so does your engine.

 

Nope. The one fsttyms listed is right here in ATL, GA. The other site is from a dealership in south Florida.