Hey guys,

My '02 S is making this annoying rattling sound, its definetly mecanical. I did a search and I'm quite confident its probably the timing chain tensioner, but before I go out and spend the money on the part. How can I be sure that is what the problem is? It may just need a valve adjusment.

I just bought this car, so I dont know if the car has gotten a valve adjustment recently. It currently has 68,000miles.

Is there anyway of knowing which of the 2 it is?

Thanks!

 

i have this sound as well it only happens when my engine is cold, its kind of a grinding sound only when you turn the car on right? if thats the sound it is the timing chain tensioner, its not a mandatory repair but you might want to get it done if it annoys you that much.
to see if a valve adj is needed turn on your car let it get warm if cold, then pop the hood and feel the engine. if it you feel a lot of vibration then it def needs valve adjusting, it should have a nice purring sound

 

Post a sound clip

 

No, the sound is not only on start up. I get the ticking noise even when the car is warm and just idling.

 

My '02 makes the same noise. It has only 15,000 miles. Would it be the timing chain tensioner so soon or does it need valve adjustment?

 

DO the valve adjustment, and replace the Timing Chain Tensioner. It will go out sooner or later anyways. Most likely sooner too.

 

Ok, well I just went outside to start the car for the first time of the day, and it sounds perfectly fine. I guess it only does it when the car is warm. Is that more a symptom of TCT?

Btw, where is the best, cheapest place to get a new TCT?

 

If you have a hook up at Honda then Employee discount will drop the tensioner from $175 down to $100. I think you can find them online for about $120 to $150

 

are there any Canadian on-line parts dealers? that way I dont get hammered with customs and duties taxes?

 

I am from US of A, sorry wouldn't know. Good luck .