I have a loud rattling noise coming from the belt tensioner in my CR-V (63k miles). I first thought it was the tensioner pulley (which I replaced). The bearing was indeed bad because it was rattling when I shook it. Anyway, the noise is still there. It mainly happens when the car is at a low idle. I also intend to replace the idler pulley. Anyway, when I place a flathead screwdriver between the engine block and tensioner, the rattling noise goes away. Can't seem to find any common problems with this generation of CR-Vs. In order to remove the tensioner, there is a single 12mm bolt in the center, but the engine mount is right next to it. Do I have to remove the mount or will the tensioner slide off once I remove the bolt? I'm going to try it tonight, but I wanted to know if I'm in for any surprises once I remove that center bolt. Thanks.

 

There's nothing quite like diving into a fix and finding the answers for yourself. Anyway, to answer my own question, there is no need to remove the engine mount to remove the tensioner. I removed it to inspect it and it seemed rock solid. On the other hand, the idler pulley needed to be replaced. Once I did so, the noise disappeared.

 

I also have a rattle coming from the tensioner in my crv. I changed out the pulley but still have the rattle. I placed the screw driver, like you did, on what looks like plastic in the middle of the tensioner and the noise foes away. I was wondering if you would know if I should just change out the tensioner assembly? I took the pulley wheel off of what's right above the tensioner and everything seems alright.

 

So, I ended up having to replace the entire tensioner because the noise eventually came back. It's a pretty straightforward operation. Anyway, it's always good practice to replace the belt at the same time (one less thing to worry about).