Changing the belts in your car?

[SC4EVA]

I have a 2004 Pathfinder (16K) miles and I have started to get the chripping noises when I start it. (Someones last for a little while after I drive). My local dealership says the standard charge for replacing the three belts is $189? I don't know that much about cars but that seems way to much.

 

[Y_lifter]

I just payed $140 at the Dealer to have all of the belts replaced on my 02 Frontier at 50,000 miles..

I'd say $189 is a bit high, unless its a BMW, Benz or other high end import.

 

[all the whey]

 

[Y_lifter]

And I'm amazed that the belts are gone at that low milage or age.
I'm thinking more that a belt is slipping or needs belt dressing put on it.

 

[Frisky]

can't you purchase and change your own belts?

 

[Y_lifter]

can't you purchase and change your own belts?

Yes, much like you can shut the hell up and work on MY Belt..

 

[jimmy d]

auto zone has a spray that you can get, that should stop the chirping

 

[SC4EVA]

Not sure if I have ever even opened my hood before - Is the spray good considering perhaps a belt may be going?

 

[jimmy d]

the belt shouldn't be going this early look at them and see if they are dry out and cracked

 

[Frisky]

Yes, much like you can shut the hell up and work on MY Belt..

spank material... yes... yes...

 

[NickyE3]

should be a belt tensioner that you can adjust - check for cracks and whatnot

replacing belts is a bitch with compant engine compartments

 

[-SD-]

Not sure if I have ever even opened my hood before - Is the spray good considering perhaps a belt may be going?

Try the spray first. if it doesnt work then you need new belts but dont take it to the dealer, he exists to fuck you over. Try a small shop that specializes in your make of vehicle. The owners of those shops usually do most of the work to the cars and they know the value of not fucking over customers.

 

[rnch]

should be a belt tensioner that you can adjust - check for cracks and whatnot

replacing belts is a bitch with compant engine compartments

many vehicles now have an automatic belt tensioner with no adjustment possible.

your mileage sounds very low to need belt changing....i suggest another opinion, another garage or dealership check it out.

 

[digimon7068]

open the hood and look at 'em. . .as others have suggested, if they are visibly worn (they'll have small cracks in them) then they need replaced. . .if not, they don't. i'd be willing to bet they don't need replaced. . .the serpentine belt on my wife's suburban makes noise everytime it's wet out and the belt is fine. . .i'm sure the belt manufacturer's are using some cheaper materials and/or processes that are resulting in this phenomena. . .if enough people bitch, they'll change things. . .and charge more. . .

 

[Y_lifter]

spank material... yes... yes...

You better "Brought All you Got" Woman. .

 

[Cutiebaby]

And I'm amazed that the belts are gone at that low milage or age.
I'm thinking more that a belt is slipping or needs belt dressing put on it.

I agree. Could be either that the belt needs to be tightened or that there is a bur on the belt that is causing it to make some noise. That is not only aweful early for a new belt, but also expensive. I have never had mine replaced in an actual garage. Lucky for me there are mechanics in my family. However buying the belt at the parts store was only about 10-20 dollars. I cannot see them charging that much for labor. Try contacting other garages for estimates. Also try asking some one other than the dealer what their opinion is on it. One thing that I have learned is that the dealers will say any thing to get money out of you!

 

[Jimsbbc]

You can do it yourself. All you need is the right wrench to pull back the automatic belt tensioner, take the old off, and slip in the new one. Most cars have a belt diagram on the engine bay compartment.

I had a belt blow on my Explorer Sport that tore off the automatic belt tensioner completely. It wasn't expensive to replace, but was a nightmare getting the new one back on. I had to hold it up on the block and tighten the bolt with one hand. PITA, but works fine now.

 

[solidspine]

Some private mechanic will do it for a least half that

 

[Y_lifter]

Yea, take it Jiffy Lube..

 

[SoKlueles]

i took mine and got the oil changed and they told me i needed a new serpentine belt
costed 60 bucks BUT i didnt have to take it to a garage, and wait and stuff
i dont know if they put those belts on new vehciles, mines from the stone age

 

[Y_lifter]

It also depends on how easy or difficult getting to the belts is for the mechanic.
Some are right there easy to reach, others require taking off fan shrouds etc.

Some have only one Serpentine belt, others have 3 separate belts.

Your Milage may vary
Subjec to change without notice