jclanin

Hey guys,

Need some help before I call my mechanic. Driving in today noticed a strange noise like a rock bouncing around my engine compartment - just for a few seconds. Then my "Anti-Lock" & "Battery" lights came on. Got it parked and popped the engine lid. One of the belts was shredded and part of it sitting on top of the other working belts.

I've attached a pic to show which belt broke.

Any insight as to what I may be looking at? Are the lights that came on just a result of the belt breakage?

thanks!

JClanin

bart1

http://p-car.com/diy/vbelt/

cmat

Your alternator belt failed and those warning lights do come on when that happens. You just need a new belt and you will be good to go.

cabrio993

This is a $15 and 15 minute DIY job if you want to tackle it yourself.

jclanin

Thanks cmat! Fingers crossed that I can make it home without the alternator...

jclanin

cabrio993

So, this happened to you on your way to work?

Unless you live less than a few yards away from where you are now I don't see how you can make it back home without a functioning alternator. You'll use up your battery pretty quickly and get you stranded.

jclanin

Bummer. I live about 8 miles from work - no tools or belts here.

cabrio993

That sucks! Where in Atlanta do you work?

jclanin

silly question I know - but to replace the alternator belt it looks like I have to remove the A/C belt. Correct?

jclanin

Midtown - I have a small office in Peachtree Lofts right above The Vortex...

chris walrod

Yes, you do, which you will spend more time doing than replacing the alt belt itself.

To avoid towing the car, one can cut the AC belt to get it out of the way so that the alt belt can be changed easily and quickly. Down side is you'll eventually have to replace the AC belt.

TheOtherEric

Yup, but it's super easy. See here:
http://p-car.com/diy/vbelt/

jclanin

Yeah - don't think I'll have any issues doing that with the right tools. I'll borrow a car and head home to pick them up... hope I have that special tool or I'll have to figure something out...

Can these belts be purchased at a regular auto parts store or do they need to be special ordered?

Robin 993DX

Jim Ellis should be close enough for you to get the belts from. I don't think a regular auto parts store would have these belts, they are quit specific.

TheOtherEric

I got an alternator belt from autozone or some similar place out in the boonies in michigan. Worked fine, just bring your old one to tell him the right length. However, some may prefer to stick with OEM belts.

But you won't have the triple-square in your toolkit; you'll need to buy a set at pep boys ($12). Doesn't fit great so you'll probably need to cut an inch off with a dremel cutting wheel. The project keeps getting funner, eh??!!