I have a question about the timing belt tensioner in a Honda Civic EJ9 hatchback from 1997.

Ever since I had the timing belt and other belts and tensioner and water pump changed, theres a noise from 1500 to 2000 RPM. Its probably the timing belt is too tight ?

Honda recommends 44 Nm of torque for the tensioner.

Can I just setup the torque with a key, without opening up the whole timing belt cover ? Just set it to 44 Nm ?

Thank you for answers.

 

It's difficult or impossible to access the tensioner bolt with a torque wrench without removal of the drive belts and upper timing belt cover. That's why I tension the timing belt before installing the cover and drive belts when I replace the timing belt.

This is a rare instance where you should not follow the procedure detailed in the factory service manual.