2003 CRV serpentine tensioner

[supton]

Finally traced down a noise that was intermittent--and unfortunately getting more regular. It's this clacking sound in the belt area. Finally found it: the belt appears to be jumping over a groove, and I think the tensioner is banging/moving when this happens. Thing is, it doesn't do this always, or it wasn't until today.

The tensioner was replaced by a garage a few years ago; the alternator a couple years ago. Seemed fine until about a year ago, then this noise started--it would go away on a restart, but today it seems determined to keep jumping the belt over.

Does not look like a lot of space in there to work on so I might just take to a garage. But is it just a bad tensioner? I saw some threads about alignment but I thought all these parts were just bolt in place? Is there something else it might be? bad pulley?

 

[JavierH19]

I'd replace the tensioner. I'd also ensure that the alternator ribs and grooves are identical. Would you happen to know the bolt sizes for it. I bought this to make a belt change not be hell on the outlander sport which barely had an inch of clearance. since you're removing the tensioner you'd need two sizes unless they're the same but that's not likely.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DQL359FP/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_2?smid=A3MU9RFGM703QX&psc=1

 

[2strokeNorthstar]

Pretty simple swap. The worst thing to change on that motor is the starter. I would remove the belt and check for loose stuff first. Not likely the tensioner is already bad but who knows, could be a bad alternator bearing or loose pully there too. A lot of junk parts these days. My wife's nissan got some little rocks in a pully somehow and ruined the serpentine belt over time. You need to look it over

 

[supton]

I did do the starter and that was pretty awful. What I think is really bad is the intake manifold removal.

Interesting on the alternator pulley, guess that is a good spot to check. Thanks. Serpentine tensioner isn't that old but being from the local store, who knows.

 

[supton]

Gave in and did the job Thursday. Not as bad as I feared, once in, it went way faster than I thought. Used a Litens from Advanced as a Reddit thread indicated to use that, and that Gates was trash. Did not find brand on what came out but it was Hencho Mexico. Didn't need a special wrench as I had some offset wrenches that did the job (with a piece of pipe for leverage). Worst part was the one bolt that you can't see and have to do by feel; used a u-joint with tape on it.

Will see if this does the trick. So far, couple of restarts have been fine.

 

[supton]

Found the tensioner (was cleaning). Forgot to mention, for a 2 year old or so tensioner, bit of a shame that it's bleeding grease. Bearing feels ok, but there was a chirp that might be gone now too, so perhaps this bearing was toast and I didn't realize it.

 

[The Critic]

Found the tensioner (was cleaning). Forgot to mention, for a 2 year old or so tensioner, bit of a shame that it's bleeding grease. Bearing feels ok, but there was a chirp that might be gone now too, so perhaps this bearing was toast and I didn't realize it.

View attachment 305783

38278 = a Gates part #.