On 9/17 All Tube and Lube performed work as follows on my 2001 Honda Accord.
1) Replaced Timing Belt
2) " Balance Shaft Belt
3) " Cam, Crank & Oil Pump Seals
4) " Tensioner Bearing
5) " Water Pump
6) " Coolant
7) " Power Steering & Alternator Belts
8) " Spark Plugs
9) " Flushed and Replaced Brake & Power Steering Fluids
After the work was completed the car had an audible "loud whining / squealing sound" coming from the engine compartment. The "whining is present while the engine is idling and goes away upon acceleration. It should be noted that this "whining" was not present before the timing belt was replaced. On October 14th I returned to All Tune's facility and discussed the problem with the mechanic, Andrew, who had performed the work on the car. After listening to the sound coming from the engine compartment, Andrew told me that it was a timing belt noise that would go away. He related that the automobile had an automatic belt tensioner which would adjust the timing belt automatically. I believed what Andrew had told me and agreed to wait and wait for the noise to go away. On November 11 I returned to All Tune and met with Andrew. I told him that I had driven the car extensively since I had last talked to him in October about the problem and that the issue was getting no better. I told him I wanted the whining issue to go away. He related that he had used factory replacement parts and there was nothing he could or would do to correct the problem other than replace the timing belt with a non-Honda belt. He said if he did this work I would be charged for the new belt and the labor to replace it. I told him there was no way I would agree to this. It should also be noted that this mechanic has never lifted the hood of the car to physically listen to the noise.
Today, I reviewed several web-sites on the internet and find several issues pertaining to whining of timing belts after replacement. Most postings suggest that the timing belt was improperly tightened upon installation. I also call the service depart of the local Honda dealer and related the problem to them telling them exactly the parts that were replace. They advised me that if there was excessive whining that the dealer should fix the issue, by whatever means necessary, at their expense. The resolution is simple - - fix the problem without additional charges to me - - I have already paid for the repair once and will not pay to fix their incompetence.
Lastly the vehicle mileage at the time of the repair was 61,404 mile. The odometer today reads 62.879 - - plenty of time for a belt to be automatically adjusted.
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