mmuschamp

Hey Guys,

I just recently purchased a 2009 Acura TL and I am new to the forum. I have been trying to find an answer to this issue for a month or so now by looking around the forums to no avail. Im getting this strange grinding sound from my driver side sometimes at start up. It also occurs while I'm driving sometimes. It doesn't occur when I brake or turn the wheels. Just seems to make a slight grinding sound whenever it feels like it. I could be driving down the road or sitting idle. Car currently has 137k on it and did have timing belt replaced around 110k. I will try and get a video of the sound ASAP. Thanks guys.

Tonyware

If its the SH-AWD then chances are its the torque converter. I think the warranty was extended for bad torque converters but not sure if you still within range (I think it was ~100k miles?). At least ask a dealer or the Acura phone people to tell you if the software update was done on your car. All this, again, assuming its the SH-AWD.

mmuschamp

Hey Tonyware,

Thanks for the response. My Acura TL is not the AWD version. only 3.5L Front wheel drive. with tech Package. I also uploaded the video of the grdinign sound it randomly makes. Sometimes it can be longer than this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-9v...ature=youtu.be

mmuschamp

Forgot to mention. You can hear it specifically at 4 seconds and around 18seconds in the video. Its usually pretty random when it does it and can last long than one quick second. And again, It can happen while driving or being idle.

Brock79

Hard to tell from the video, but I'm not sure it's something grinding. Is your AC on in the video?

Tonyware

Aha. Its the bearings of the drive belt tensioner pulley. I had the same issue, changed the pulley and the belt and no more noise. Is it more consistent when its very cold out there? Somehow when its cold the drive belt tensioner pulley gets out of alignment and overtime it gets worse. If you look at parts listings the part number has been changed, meaning an acknowledgment by Honda/Acura that there was something wrong with the old part. There are others here with the same issue. They have described it more of a scratching noise instead of a grinding noise.

echodigital

I love this community. It gives us info so we don't look foolish when going to the dealer.

mmuschamp

Thanks so much Tonyware! Since you've had this issue and death with it already. Would you say this is a possible do it yourself fix? How much did parts cost?

Tonyware

With a new belt it came to around $100. Can't remember exact number. Yes it is possible, its a 14mm bolt (or was it 12?) for the tensioner pulley and put the new belt back on by pushing that tensioner to the back with a wrench to fit the belt over the pulley. Just try to remember how the belt was on around the pulleys before you remove it. Pretty simple DIY.

mmuschamp

Tonyware,

Any good "How To" guides or videos on replacing this? Im pretty savvy for the most part. But removing belts I'm nervous about.