GMB timing belt tensioner bearing starts to fail after only 2,000 miles of use!
Thread Starter
Registered!!
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, NV
Rep Power: 0 
GMB timing belt tensioner bearing starts to fail after only 2,000 miles of use!
Beware of Evergreen Parts & Accessories selling kits on Amazon with the wrong (GMB) timing belt tensioner. Evergreen Parts & Accessories (on Amazon) recently sold me a “Head Gasket Set Timing Belt Kit” that contained an aftermarket (GMB) timing belt tensioner that was an improper fit for the engine. The timing belt tensioner pulley was misaligned (by about 3 mm) with the timing belt after installation. This misalignment caused uneven load on the tensioner bearing and it started to wear out (make noise) after only 2,000 miles of use!
I bought an OEM (Honda) timing belt tensioner and compared it to the aftermarket (GMB) timing belt tensioner. There is clearly a slight dimensional difference between the two tensioners. This can be seen in the pics if you look closely.
The subject vehicle is a 2002 Honda Civic LX sedan, auto trans, 1.7 liter engine (D17A1) VIN # 1HGES16542L041405.
Misalignment between aftermarket timing belt tensioner pulleys (such as GMB) and the timing belt is likely to cause premature failure of the tensioner and/or timing belt. Based on my recent experience, the best and safest thing to do with this Honda D17A1 engine is use OEM (Honda) valve timing parts exclusively. More expensive, but worth it in the long run.
I bought an OEM (Honda) timing belt tensioner and compared it to the aftermarket (GMB) timing belt tensioner. There is clearly a slight dimensional difference between the two tensioners. This can be seen in the pics if you look closely.
The subject vehicle is a 2002 Honda Civic LX sedan, auto trans, 1.7 liter engine (D17A1) VIN # 1HGES16542L041405.
Misalignment between aftermarket timing belt tensioner pulleys (such as GMB) and the timing belt is likely to cause premature failure of the tensioner and/or timing belt. Based on my recent experience, the best and safest thing to do with this Honda D17A1 engine is use OEM (Honda) valve timing parts exclusively. More expensive, but worth it in the long run.
Last edited by Tim1959; Aug 13, 2018 at 08:54 PM. Reason: correction
"Marge, anyone could miss Canada! All tucked away down there."
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 9,641
Likes: 1,283
From: Barrie, ON Canada
Rep Power: 222 
Re: GMB timing belt tensioner bearing starts to fail after only 2,000 miles of use!
This is why we recommend only using OEM Honda parts for critical things like this
Thread Starter
Registered!!
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, NV
Rep Power: 0 Re: GMB timing belt tensioner bearing starts to fail after only 2,000 miles of use!
NO MORE AFTERMARKET PARTS FOR ME!
They may cost less, but they are also LOWER QUALITY!
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
Likes: 256
From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 518 Re: GMB timing belt tensioner bearing starts to fail after only 2,000 miles of use!
Cheap parts can really cost you dearly.
This reminds me of a thread: civicforums.com/-i-am-stuck-side-road-what-happened
This reminds me of a thread: civicforums.com/-i-am-stuck-side-road-what-happened
The fleabay seller was
Seriously?
For $48 were the parts knitted from an old scarf?
Seriously?
For $48 were the parts knitted from an old scarf?
Thread
Thread Starter
Honda Civic Forum
Replies
Last Post
KoenigsTiger
Mechanical Problems/Vehicle Issues and Fix-it Forum
2
Nov 3, 2011 09:51 AM
