[t5contra]

Hey guys, new here. I bought a 2005 tsx from a car dealer this last week and ran into a problem not even 2 days later. As I was driving to work my battery light came on. Once I got to work, I did a quick search and it all pointed to an alternator. Took off work early and went to advanced auto to get both tested. Battery tested weak and as we were about to test the alternator it finally gave ghost and the car didn't start. Bought a new alternator and a battery and passed the bill along to the dealer in hopes they would cover it ( they did! ). Now I noticed that my tensioner rattles ONLY when I have AC on and there is a heavier load on the serpentine system. Doesn't make a sound with the ac off. Belt looks fine, should I start shopping for a new tensioner? I didn't notice this issues prior to alternator replacement. Thanks for your help in advance.

 

[cYn]

How do you know if the tensioner is rattling?

If it rattles with the AC on and the car idling, take a video of it rattling.

 

[t5contra]

Ok, here is a link to a youtube video I uploaded. Excuse the quality, its the best I could do with a camera phone.

Note that once I turn the AC on you can hear the rattle and there is play in the tensioner.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MayW28nZdr0

 

[cYn]

Oh wow alright, here are a few of my suggestions that I had to deal with regarding auto tensioners.

First let's make sure everything is bolted down. Un-tension the auto tensioner and slip off the belt for now. Try and wiggle the power steering pump since it is bolted to the auto tensioner. There shouldn't be movement. If there is then something is not bolted down all the way.

If everything seems solid, try and wiggle the auto tensioner pulley as if you're trying to take it off. See if there are any significant play.

If there isn't, my next solution would be to call it a dying auto tensioner and replace it with OEM.

How many miles on the car?

 

[t5contra]

119k on the car. I took the belt off twice to check on the tension and the noise persists only with the ac on (heavier load). With ac on I can see the tensioner play and the noise of course. I didn't have this issue prior to alternator removal. My guess is that the pressure on the pulley made it go bad when removing the belt. All the accessory components seemed to be oem with the exception of the belt.

 

[t5contra]

Update:

I replaced the tensioner and now the noise moved from the passenger side of the engine bay to the drivers, specifically where the tranny connects to the engine. It sounds like a flywheel. My second and reverse grind sometime along with the usual clutch pedal click so I will be replacing the master and slave sometime this week(JDM parts ofcourse). Otherwise the clutch is fine even under a stress test. Once again the rattling noise shows up with the ac on even on the lowest setting. I also have to rev the engine higher for a smooth engage coming in to 1st gear when the ac is on. Car drives perfectly normal without any noise with the ac off. Unfortunately living in Miami AC is a must. Any help?


Also wanted to recommend "Garage Yourself" shop for anyone in the South Florida area. Privately owned shop where you can rent the tools and bay for a small fee. Guy that owns the shop is a huge Honda buff and is always eager to help.


On a further note, anyone with a sagging front bumper PM me for an easy fix solution.

 

[Nate13jp]

Update:
Also wanted to recommend "Garage Yourself" shop for anyone in the South Florida area. Privately owned shop where you can rent the tools and bay for a small fee. Guy that owns the shop is a huge Honda buff and is always eager to help.

Thanks for the info. 35$ Dyno Thursdays!

 

[t5contra]

$35 dynos are the tits

Another update, I know very few commented but with almost 500 views I figure at least a few of you have the same problem or at least following the thread.

Today I was able to replicate the noise having a chance to use an automotive stethoscope while a buddy was turning the ac on and off and pushing on the clutch pedal. What I discovered was that the noise was on only at idle, with the ac on and the clutch pedal depressed. Pressing on the clutch pedal made the noise go away. It is very pronounced when present and it sounds like slight rattling. I came to the conclusion that my throw out bearing/ pilot bearing are at the beginning stage of its departure and I will soon be shopping for a new clutch kit, real shame considering my clutch and flywheel are in good order (124k on the clock) but having to take the tranny down I might as well...... For some of you looking for a quick fix or getting ready to sell the car, you can adjust the throttle to let more air in. This will raise the rpm by about 100-150 but will suspend the noise. Today I was leaning towards replacing master/slave cylinder but was advised against it by a honda tech. I was told its made to be a lifetime part and that annual flushes will keep both from moisture/rust build up. Feel free to shoot me a message or ask any questions

 

[Dannyv]

good info here!

 

[Talon4ever]

My TSX is having this exact same noise and I can't figure it out. My car is an AUTO so I can rule out the clutch. I also replaced the belt tensioner and belt with new Acura parts and I am still getting the noise but only with the AC on. If there is a problem with the AC, how is it causing noise to come from the belt tensioner? The only thing I can think of is that the clutch/bearing is going out on the compressor and it is causing so much resistance, that it is causing the tensioner to strain.

Anybody ever get a definitive answer? Some say low charge. Some say expansion valve. Others say the compressor is going to blow up. HELP.HELP. HELP.