Have a 09' Acura TL SH AWD and about 2-3 days ago it started making a hitch pitch then low pitch noise almost sounded like a Lifter sound issue. Apparently the lifters on the vehicle are hydraulic I was just wondering if anyone has had to get these adjusted or fixed before? Car only has 70k on it and the oil is still at like 50% life left and only 4-5k in on synthetic RP.

Maybe needs the valves adjusted?

When I press the gas and rev it a little bit the noise gets faster.

Anyone else have any ideas of what it might be?

The sound isn't a whine or squeal either

 

Can you open the hood and listen where the noise really comes from? Have someone rev it up a bit. It could be the tensioner pulley on the passenger side of the engine or the accessory belt.

 

I had a neighbor look at it who owns a performance shop in my area. He says it's the hydraulic idler pulley for the timing belt.

Now I need to check with Acura if that part may have extended warranty on the vehicle for that part... vehicles is a 09 with 77,000 Kilometers on it.

 

The tensioner pulley is pushed using a small piston to put tension on the belt. I think its liquid inside that piston but it may be a spring loaded with grease, not sure. In any case, if the bearings on that pulley have gone bad then watch out! If the bearings seize its bad news.

Marked as tensioner pulley and HT for the piston...



I mention the accessory belt tensioner pulley bearings (the one you see outside the timing belt covers) because it is a known issue with the 09's.

 

How long are these covered under warranty by Acura do you know?

 

In Canada... link: Warranty Coverage

Regardless of what I say or what your neighbor thinks, it is essential for a service tech to diagnose the issue. It could be something totally different. If you are out of warranty at least you can spend a few $$$ to diagnose the specific issue by a certified tech who will accept the responsibility of the diagnosis. Some techs are very good at that. Not sure about Toronto, but try to do some research to find out which is the most helpful dealership in TO (... some have horrible reputations).

 

Yeah I'm going to get it diagnosed tomorrow. I agree with you on that part some dealers are terrible in the Toronto area. I'll take it to my mechanic who has worked on my previous cars.