The tensioner keeps the timing belt from loosening off and skipping on the cam gear teeth.
Matt said:looked like to me that the timing belt tensioner would never go bad. i wouldnt think either would go bad but... if i were to replace one, it would be the balancer, just because its not anything like the timing belt tensioner but a spring and pulley type. hope this helps.
gotrice1022 said:thanx..but i have one more question..i asked honda about it and they said theres 2 tensioners..the timing belt one and the balancer one..i dunno which one to buy..the guy said that the balancer one is the one that is usually replaced..but i dont trust him..so which one wuld u buy?..lemme know..thanx