Dave,

From what I've found the actual idler pulley isn't available at any parts stores in the US. I've tried AutoZone, Advance, Oreilly's, Napa, and CarQuest to no avail. The "idler pulley" they have listed is actually the pulley for the belt tensioner. They don't carry, nor can you even order the idler pulley. It's a Honda only part, unless of course you have a press and can press out/in new bearings like I do.

 

So, they sell you a tensioner pulley for an idler pulley. They aren't even the same size.

 

I know....it makes no sense...lol. All I know is if you want to get a tensioner pulley aftermarket you have to ask for the idler pulley at most stores. Been there done that, lol.

 

I think it's actually 100k mi or 10 years, but the manual calls for annual inspections too.

I replaced mine at 9 years and 80k mi when I noticed it was stretched past the indicator. I went with the Gatorback and its been fine so far.

 

hmmm... I got 177,000 miles on mines and it's still not past the wear indicator. I guess I'll replace just in case it snaps and ruins something else.

 

Here is where mine sits now, looks like it needs a changing...




went all over looking for the Gatorback but 5 auto part stores in my area only carried Gates or AC Delco. I picked up the Gates for $20.00 and it looks super simple to replace so ill do it tonight after work. Glad this thread was made i didnt even know the indicator for the belt existed until i started wondering about mine belt and saw the DIY on this... according the DIY my belt is almost due for replacement according to the indicator.

 

There is also a quick reference diagram of this stuck to the under side of your hood, for vac hose routing just fyi.

 

Thanks so much!! That's exactly what I thought, but just wanted to make sure.

 

I too just passed 177k on my MY00, making my belt over 13.5 years old. Last fall it was still within spec, the edges looked completely fine, and there were no signs of cracking. Now it's just past the tension indicator and I see one small area starting to fray ever so slightly. New gatorback belt with be here tomorrow ($22ish from Amazon). So cheap and easy to install though, you might as well go for it now.

 

Just installed my new Goodyear Gatorback (PN 4060578). Literally took only 4 minutes start to finish (thanks to not having the OEM airbox in the way), and one minute to double check that the grooves were lined up. Perfect fit, right back into the proper zone on the tensioner.