Good day everyone. I am trying to adjust my timing belt tension. I'm using the instructions from the 'big' honda service manual. I've made this adjustment in the past several times with no problems, but not this time. When I tighten the adjuster bolt, the belt gets too tight causing a whining noise. I have the upper cover off and can barely see the back of the belt on the adjuster pulley and the spring. I gently deflected the slack side of the belt repeatedly, watching the adjuster movement. The adjuster moved freely but made a dry, squeeking sound. Do I need to deflect the slack belt side just a little when tightening the bolt? Thanks in advance from a old, legless, domestic car mechanic.

 

Thanks for viewing my post. I made the adjustment with a fourth inch deflection on the slack side while tightening the bolt.

 

What's squeaking? The roller on the tensioner? If so replace the tensioner.

As per the service manual turn the engine over counter clockwise until you reach top dead center, loosen the adjusting bolt for the tensioner 180° Turn the engine over counter clockwise until the timing belt goes up 3 teeth on the cam gear. Tighten the adjusting bolt.

 

Hey 94EG8. I don't think the roller is squeaking. I think the bracket slot was squeaking as it moved back and forth on the bolt. I got my son to watch the adjuster for movement while I tightened the bolt. The adjuster moved towards the front of the car...and the belt got tighter. No problem. He immobolized the tensioner while I tightened the bolt. Problem solved. Thanks for the helping words.