Acura RL. Manual - part 392

Special Tools Required  

Belt tension release tool Span-on YA9317 or equivalent, commercially available 

1. Remove the right upper fender trim. 

Fig. 12: Identifying Right Upper Fender Trim 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

2. Remove the engine cover (see step 4 under REMOVAL ).  

3. Move the auto-tensioner (A) using the belt tension release tool in the direction shown to relieve 

tension from the drive belt, then remove the drive belt. 

Fig. 13: Moving Auto-Tensioner Using Belt Tension Release Tool 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

4. Install the new belt in the reverse order of removal.  

DRIVE BELT AUTO-TENSIONER INSPECTION 

Special Tools Required  

 

2007 Acura RL 

2005-08 ELECTRICAL Charging System - RL

  

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Belt tension release tool Span-on YA9317 or equivalent, commercially available 

1. Remove the right upper fender trim (see step 1 ).  

2. Turn the ignition switch ON (II), and make sure to turn the A/C switch OFF. Turn the ignition switch 

OFF.  

3. Check the position of the auto-tensioner indicator's pointer (A). Start the engine, then check the 

position again with the engine idling. If the position of the indicator moves or fluctuates a lot, replace 
the auto-tensioner (see DRIVE BELT AUTO-TENSIONER REPLACEMENT ). 

Fig. 14: Identifying Auto-Tensioner Indicator's Pointer 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

4. Check for abnormal noise from the tensioner pulley. If you hear any abnormal noise, replace the auto-

tensioner pulley (see TENSIONER PULLEY REPLACEMENT ).  

5. Remove the drive belt (see DRIVE BELT REPLACEMENT ).  

6. Move the auto-tensioner within its limit using the belt tension release tool in the direction shown. 

Check that the tensioner moves smoothly and without any abnormal noise. If the tensioner does not 
move smoothly, or you hear abnormal noises, replace the auto-tensioner (see DRIVE BELT AUTO-
TENSIONER REPLACEMENT ). 

Fig. 15: Moving Auto-Tensioner Within Its Limit Using Belt Tension Release Tool 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

7. Remove the auto-tensioner (see DRIVE BELT AUTO-TENSIONER REPLACEMENT ).  

8. Clamp the auto-tensioner (A) by using a 10 mm bolt (B), 8 mm bolt (C), and a vise (D) as shown. Do 

not clamp the auto-tensioner itself. 

 

2007 Acura RL 

2005-08 ELECTRICAL Charging System - RL

  

me 

 

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© 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. 

Fig. 16: Identifying Auto-Tensioner And Vise 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

9. Attach a torque wrench (A) to the pulley bolt. Measure the torque when the tensioner is turned 

counterclockwise. If the torque is less than the specified value, replace the auto-tensioner (see DRIVE 
BELT AUTO-TENSIONER REPLACEMENT ). 

Auto-tensioner Spring Torque  

50.5 N.m (5.15 kgf.m, 37.2 lbf.ft)  

Fig. 17: Measuring Auto-Tensioner Spring Torque 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

DRIVE BELT AUTO-TENSIONER REPLACEMENT 

1. Remove the drive belt (see DRIVE BELT REPLACEMENT ).  

2. Remove the splash shield (see step 5 ).  

3. Remove the auto-tensioner. 

 

2007 Acura RL 

2005-08 ELECTRICAL Charging System - RL

  

me 

 

Friday, June 05, 2009 2:41:58 PM

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© 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. 

Fig. 18: Identifying Auto-Tensioner With Torque Specifications 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

4. Install the auto-tensioner in the reverse order of removal.  

TENSIONER PULLEY REPLACEMENT 

1. Remove the auto-tensioner (see DRIVE BELT AUTO-TENSIONER REPLACEMENT ).  

2. Remove the pulley bolt (A) (left-hand threads), and remove the tensioner pulley (B). 

Fig. 19: Identifying Pulley Bolt And Tensioner Pulley With Torque Specifications 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

 

2007 Acura RL 

2005-08 ELECTRICAL Charging System - RL

  

me 

 

Friday, June 05, 2009 2:41:58 PM

Page 14 

© 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.