2002 Honda Accord Noise following timing belt change

85,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
THEALY7188
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Just had the timing belt and water pump changed on my 2002 Honda Accord. I took it back to the repair shop because my wife and I noticed that the motor is much louder now. The noise seems to originate from the water pump area. The mechanic said that they put the timing belt on with a little extra tension so that we wouldn't have to bring it back for an adjustment later, and that once the belt gets "broken in" (in about a month), the noise will go away. Is that true? I thought that the purpose of the tensioner was to take up the slack in the belt as it stretched, meaning that it wouldn't have to be over-tensioned when installed. I'm suspicious.
Oct 25, 2010 at 2:38 AM
Avatar
KHLOW2008
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 41,812 POSTS
Hi thealy7188,

Seems you went to the wrong place. The guy who said that knows nuts about the proper installation of the timing belt.

If the tension is too tight, the tensioner bearing would be bad in no time. Get the belt readjusted asap.
Oct 25, 2010 at 6:16 AM
Avatar
THEALY7188
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Ugh - should have gone to my regular mechanic. Thanks for the info.
Oct 25, 2010 at 8:35 AM
Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle