Idler Pulley

This procedure covers the replacement of the accessory drive belt idler pulley on the 2018-2024 Honda Accord with the 1.5L turbocharged engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Accessory drive belt idler pulley × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Accessory drive belt (if worn or damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Allow engine to cool completely
4. Raise and support front of vehicle on jack stands
5. Remove right front wheel for easier access to belt area
6. Remove engine splash shield if equipped (typically 10mm bolts and plastic clips)
7. Photograph or sketch accessory belt routing for reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Relieve belt tension and remove accessory belt
   Locate the belt tensioner on the right side of the engine. Using a 14mm socket and breaker bar on the tensioner bolt, rotate the tensioner counterclockwise to relieve tension. Slide the belt off one pulley, then slowly release tensioner. Remove belt completely from all pulleys.
2. 2

   Inspect idler pulley condition
   With belt removed, spin the idler pulley by hand. Check for rough rotation, bearing noise, wobble, or excessive play. Confirm replacement is necessary. Inspect the belt for cracks, glazing, or wear; replace if showing signs of deterioration.
3. 3

   Remove idler pulley mounting bolt
   Using a 14mm socket, remove the single bolt securing the idler pulley to its mounting bracket. The idler pulley is located below the alternator on the lower right side of the engine block. Remove the pulley from the stud.
4. 4

   Install new idler pulley
   Position the new idler pulley onto the mounting stud, ensuring it sits flush against the mounting surface. Thread the idler pulley bolt by hand to ensure proper alignment before tightening.
   Torque spec

   Idler Pulley Bolt45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Torque idler pulley bolt
   Using a torque wrench and 14mm socket, torque the idler pulley bolt to 45.0 Nm (33 lb-ft). Verify the pulley spins freely without binding after torquing.
6. 6

   Reinstall accessory drive belt
   Route the new or existing belt around all pulleys following your reference photo or the belt routing diagram (typically found on a decal under the hood). Leave one pulley free for final installation. Using the 14mm socket and breaker bar, rotate the tensioner counterclockwise again and slip the belt onto the final pulley. Slowly release tensioner to apply proper tension to the belt.
7. 7

   Verify belt alignment and seating
   Visually inspect that the belt is properly seated in all pulley grooves and tracks centered on each pulley. The belt should not be riding on pulley edges. Manually rotate the crankshaft two full revolutions clockwise (using a socket on the crankshaft bolt) and recheck belt alignment.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine splash shield using existing fasteners
2. Reinstall right front wheel and torque lug nuts to specification (108 Nm / 80 lb-ft)
3. Lower vehicle from jack stands
4. Double-check all fasteners are tight and no tools remain in engine bay

Verification

• Start the engine and listen for any unusual noises from the belt area
• Visually confirm the belt tracks properly on all pulleys during engine operation
• Check that the new idler pulley rotates smoothly without squealing or grinding sounds
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and recheck belt operation
• Test all belt-driven accessories (alternator, A/C compressor, water pump) for proper function

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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