Warning: that cheap timing chain tensioner from Amazon left my customer stranded on I-5 last Tuesday

I used a budget brand tensioner on a 2012 Honda Accord last month and it started rattling within 200 miles. Now I'm stuck debating between OEM and a higher-end aftermarket part for the redo. Has anyone else had better luck with one over the other?

3 comments

3 Comments

adam_thompson5315d ago

Stick with OEM for the timing tensioner. I've seen those cheap Amazon ones fail way too often, even the "good" aftermarket brands can be hit or miss on Hondas. Pay the extra $40 now and save yourself the headache of doing it again.

the_rose15d ago

Swapped mine on a 2008 Civic with a Gates aftermarket tensioner and it's been quiet for over 15k miles now... no issues at all. The OEM ones are good too but I hear the Aisin kits are actually made in the same factory as Honda's parts for a bit less. I'd go with either of those and skip the gamble on no-name stuff.

craig.sage15d ago

I ran into this exact same problem on my 04 Civic last year. Went with a Continental kit from RockAuto and it's been solid for about 10k miles now. The tensioner itself felt real heavy and well made compared to the cheap stuff. I'd say buy a known brand like Gates or Continental and you'll be fine. The OEM part was like double the price when I checked and honestly I think they're all coming from the same factories in China anyway. Just don't touch the Amazon mystery brands and you'll be good.