T-Belt tensioner Where to buy

I Just bought a 1995 Honda Passport and it is tapping in the front of the motor (3.2 engine). Is the T-Belt tensioner a dealer only item or can you get it at the local part's store? Also what exactly do I need to get ? I have not taken it apart yet because it is my daily driver so I want the part on hand before I take it apart and find out I have to wait 2 weeks for it to come in . What all has to come off to get to it ? I am not worried about doing it myself I am just trying to get a heads up for anything I need to be aware of . Any help would be great .

Bill

From what I've read (havent done one on the 3.2L) the T-belt tensioner is actually a two part assembly. A pulley assembly and a pusher / pushrod assembly. The pusher uses engine oil pressure to force the pulley against the t-belt to 'tension' it. I believe most parts stores can get them. I'd personally try to go OEM, if not, #2 would be napa, #3 would be carquest.
G/luck
Joel

The T-belt tensioner is not a dealer only item and you can find it being sold on a lot of different sites online. Just look around for Rodeo/Passport parts on Google comparison shop for price. If you're going to replace the tensioner, you may as well just go all the way and replace the belt and the water pump too. You should replace the water pump when you replace the belt because the tension of the new belt will cause the old water pump to fail if you don't. All the parts for this job can be bought outside of a dealer.

I got my tensioner for about $75 at a local parts store.