acura_fantacy

For lack of better description, this "rubbing" noise started appearing after timing belt and drive belts change, most obvious when car is warm and at idle. This was 30k miles ago, the noise did not get worse or better. Engine runs smooth and strong as always.

Want to see if it's something easy to DIY since the noise started to bother me more and more... Thanks!

Alaska02tl-s

sounds to me like the pulley. I forgot what it's called but it could be the pulley that tightens the alternator. I had to replaced mine as it was worn out.

01tl4tl

didn't listen to vid but most common failure is the `ac belt tensioner` (includes alternator)

ck the moving pulley with arm - at top of engine closest to front of car
replace entire unit for ~100$ (part only) you do want both parts of it new- buy the unit, not a separate piece
Good time to replace the belt too

acura_fantacy

The tensioner was replaced with timing belt. Could it be idler pulley? How many of those the car has? Will power steering pump make this kind of noise?

01tl4tl

spend 5 bucks at harbor freight or 10 at any parts store for a mechanics stethoscope
It has a pointed end you put against non moving surface of any bearing you want to listen to
smooth rhythmic is good
gravel sound is bad
we have several tensioners and idler pullies

anything funny about the power steering fluid recently?
Very easy to over-tighten its belt when tbelt is done
can burn out pump bearing or its pullies

ErickUa5

Use process of elimination, Take one belt off and listen.. if no change then on to the next belt, If it still makes the noise after both belts are off then its in the timing belt area. In that case I would give it some more time or have the mechanic inspect the belt to be sure the belt isn't being damaged.

What belts were used for the accessories ? Good Year Gator backs are a no no on this car.

losymis

Didn't watch the video...too noisey here at work..can it be that the belt is rubbing against timing belt cover?...

musiclevelz5

I agree with a previous post that its smart to take both belts off one at a time to help eliminate sources for noise. Thats how I found out that my alternator belt tensioner was bad. If it still makes noise after both belts are off then its likely coming from behind the timing cover.

d4atls

Mine is making this exact noise and I'm pretty sure I have it narrowed down to the Tensioner Pulley for the ACCESORY BELTS (A/C, Alt, etc...NOT Power Steering - this is a seperate belt that is tensioned via loosening the pump and turning a nut in front of the pump), they have a tensioner pulley too! The one that you had replaced was for the timing belt not the acc. belts. Just like Alaska and 01tl4tl both said..... OR it could also be the bearing going in the PS pump. I'm 99% sure mine is the first problem but check your PS pump, pulley, inlet tube and the pump itself for fluid leakage. If there's no fluid and everythings dry it's prob the acc belt tensioner..... Part No. 2 on the diagram at this link....

Acura Parts @ AcuraOEMparts.com - Genuine Acura OEM Parts from Delray Acura

01tl4tl

that 5-10 dollars spent on a mechanics stethoscope will eliminate all doubt before purchasing a 100 dollar part

Most times a rumble from the front is that ac belt tensioner
Many cars had the belt replaced once or twice already- easy to imageine this tensioner needs replacement! watch it at work as you rev engine to see why!!

many of the ps pump bearing failures after tbelt job are the result of that belts tensioner being adjusted too tight- it runs much looser than a normal belt- of old school belt days
It has a roller/idler pulley, not a 2nd tensioner
idlers serve to route a belt

acura_fantacy

Cool, thanks everyone. I'm going to get a stethoscope very soon. I figure the noise has been there for years w/o getting worse, so I have a little time to address it. I need to stop dragging my feet and get on it.

01tl4tl

my ac belt tensioner was diagnosed at 45kmiles, just out of warranty!
it continued making noise until ~80kmiles when I knew it was time
Got it replaced for 1/10th the price dealer had quoted many years before

Bricktop

What a timely thread.
Had the same noise for a while, had no idea where it's coming from.
Then seen this thread.
Turns out the tension pulley took a dump. I spin the pulley by hand and it sounds like there is sand in the bearing.

01tl4tl

buy the complete unit of arm and attached roller
aftermarket is fine if you want
Access to replace is thru the passenger side fender liner

acura_fantacy

update! finally got the serpentine belt tool (there is just no room there to fit any regular socket), and replaced the tensioner. with the tool taking off the belt was piece of cack. The noise stayed

The old tensioner is due for replacing after 115k, spin with hand can feel the drag, almost immediate stop spinning once released. New one was much smoother and spinner more freely.

Got the mechanics stethoscope too, can't hear any irregular sound from water pump or alternator... probably due to me lacking experience. I gotta take the belt off one at a time to narrow it down further, but have a feeling it's related to timing belt rubbing as the noise first appeared after timing belt change years ago, I'm just too far away from that Honda dealer to go back asking them to check back then... Should've had the tensioner replaced back then as well.

fsttyms1

take the front t-belt cover off and look for abnormal wear on the belt.