Serpentine belt Bolt broke

Tiny
SMD6789
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 HONDA ODYSSEY
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 125,000 MILES
Noticed you answered a question similar to mine. I had the timing belt water pump idler and serpentine belt tensioner replaced. Now it has a loud noise and the big bolt on the serpentine tensioner has broken two times. What do you suggest I do?
Tuesday, April 9th, 2019 AT 8:25 PM

14 Replies

Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

Are you sure that the proper tensioner was installed. There are two different tensioners options available for your engine. I have included instructions for the removal and installation of both tensioners as well as the correct torque specs for the bolts in the diagrams down below. Please go through this guide from the vehicle's manufacturer and get back to us with what you find out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Tuesday, April 9th, 2019 AT 8:55 PM
Tiny
SMD6789
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Yes, I believe it was the same tensioner as the original also did the bleeding. Took it to a shop they did the same thing couldn't figure it out either. I'm leaning towards trimming the timing belt cover. What do you think?
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Wednesday, April 10th, 2019 AT 4:13 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Good afternoon,

Are you talking about the outside belt tensioner pulley bolt? If you are, can you post a picture for me to view?

Is the belt alignment correct? If it is not, too much tension on the belt and this could be the reason it failed.

Roy
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Wednesday, April 10th, 2019 AT 2:37 PM
Tiny
SMD6789
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Not home right now to take a picture of it. It's got the new Serpentine tensioner on it it still makes the loud noise. I'm almost positive it's going to break again. So trying to figure it out before that. Are you thinking it needs spacers possibly? I talked to the Honda dealer here in Champagne Illinois and he mentioned spacers for that tensioner but he didn't want to give too much information because I think he wanted me to bring it in there. On all the forums I've been reading there's nothing been said about spacers for a tensioner. I looked at my engine it's the j35a7 which I believe takes the hydraulic tensioner. Seems this is common when the timing belt gets changed not sure why. Did not get a clear solution on all the forums I've been reading nor did I when I took it to the shop to get it fixed twice.
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Wednesday, April 10th, 2019 AT 3:05 PM
Tiny
SMD6789
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The Big Bolt.
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Wednesday, April 10th, 2019 AT 3:06 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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I understand. I would like to see it as well. Shimming it out is changing the alignment which is where I was going on my other post.

Post a picture when you can.

Roy
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Wednesday, April 10th, 2019 AT 3:07 PM
Tiny
SMD6789
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Okay I'll take a picture when I get home and I will look at how the belt is aligned. Thank you
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Wednesday, April 10th, 2019 AT 3:09 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Sounds like a plan.

Roy
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Wednesday, April 10th, 2019 AT 3:10 PM
Tiny
SMD6789
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Hard to get a good picture, but by looking at it it looks in line correctly. Also on the forums I've been reading nothing is said about any kind of spacer. Talk to a few other mechanics and they've never heard of spacer for serpentine tensioner.
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Thursday, April 11th, 2019 AT 12:40 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Thank you.

The pulley under the power steering pump is the tensioner, I assume.

It is sticking out too far. It is not the same distance as the other pulleys.

No, I have never heard or installed any spacers either.

Remove the bolt and the pulley and see if there is anything behind it. It should seat back further.

Roy
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Thursday, April 11th, 2019 AT 12:55 PM
Tiny
SMD6789
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Okay.
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Thursday, April 11th, 2019 AT 12:57 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Keep me updated.

Roy
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Thursday, April 11th, 2019 AT 12:58 PM
Tiny
SMD6789
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I talked to mechanic at the Bloomington Illinois Honda dealer he said I need to use OEM tensioner. What do you think? The one that the shop put on there is aftermarket I think from Advance Auto.
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Thursday, April 11th, 2019 AT 1:30 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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You need to go the tensioner and remove it and inspect.

Let's see what it looks like first.

Roy
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Thursday, April 11th, 2019 AT 1:33 PM

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