I just got my (3) belts changed and now have a similar "whining" noise between about 4100 and 4300 RPM. I was told by someone here that this is normal for new belts and that it will go away in about 2 weeks (I expect this to mean about 500 miles or so). I REALLY hope it does because it is really starting to get on my nerves...that particular RPM range is right where the engine note starts getting sweet when your on the gas

 

I just read Robin's DIY for Belt replacement (a wealth of knowledge, as always, thanks <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" /> ) and was wondering about the pulley update. Would this "update" be included in a 97 model year car or do I need to do this, assuming it has not been done?

Next question, How would you know if it were done?

And lastly, how much would you expect to be charged if you had a mechanic replace the belts? I figure with the alternator belts self destructing, it needs to be done, and if the sound is still there, I can then persue the bearings or other solutions.

 

Jhb,

The difference between the new updated alternator pulley and old one is that the new one integrated part of the washer, so the total number of pieces of the alternator pulley is in 2 pieces, as the old one is 4 pieces total.

Your mechanic sholdn't charge you more than 1/2 hour labor to replace the alternator belt.

Robert, you are correct about the layout of the pulley. The main shaft turns the alternator, the fan bearing rides on the shaft which spins independently of the alternator shaft.

 

[quote]Originally posted by jhb:
<strong>I ...and was wondering about the pulley update. Would this "update" be included in a 97 model year car or do I need to do this, assuming it has not been done?</strong><hr></blockquote>

Do not assume it was included for '97. I had mine replaced on a '97 C2S that I had. The old style would go through belts like crazy. In the 8 months I had the car I must have gone through 8 belts... The new pulley was supposed to be a better design with cooler running temperature...

In my case, it seemed as if the temperature would affect the belt. The belt would "melt" into the pulley and snap! Weird... I sure it had to do with my driving style since I have not heard from other folks with the same problem. I really drove the car hard, everyday, at all times. I managed to put in some 20k miles in those 8 months...

 

Jaime,

I believe the situation you had with the pulley heating up and eating up your belts were caused by the belt slipping on the pulley itself. I had the same situation happen to me recently, but in my case it was because I had polished the inner surface of the belt pulley and made it too slippery. Replacing the pulley and belt fixed the problem.

I believe your problem can be contributed to improper belt tension.

I also believe reading a post about an updated technical bulletin about not using the new belt pulley update, that there was an issue with it. I can't remember the detail of that post.

Here is a picture of my belt and pulley after it was melted from the heat created by the slipperage.

 

Robin,

I assume that is a picture of the OLD pulley, do you have a picture of the new one?

 

Robin, one thing unanswered is also the point I'm interested in: can I identify whether my car's had the pulley update w/o removing the pulley?

I read the belt DIY -- should the new pulley part # be visible w/o disassembly?

("For the alternator pulley the factory has an updated kit to prevent premature wear of the belt. The new part in the TSB is 993-106-268-01 and costs about $58.00USD with PCA discount. A new pair of shims are also listed in the bulletin so pick them up too (about $1.50 each).")

 

You can identify the new pulley without disassembly.

First, the material is different, you will notice that it is a dull gold color instead of a dark brown/black color.

Next, look at the pulley itself, you will notice that it contains extra material around the shaft area, serving as a washer. This should be right next to the 22 mm nut which holds it to the alternator shaft.

Jeff

 

[quote]Originally posted by Robin 993 DX In Atlanta:
<strong>Jaime,

I believe the situation you had with the pulley heating up and eating up your belts were caused by the belt slipping on the pulley itself. I had the same situation happen to me recently, but in my case it was because I had polished the inner surface of the belt pulley and made it too slippery. Replacing the pulley and belt fixed the problem.

I believe your problem can be contributed to improper belt tension.

I also believe reading a post about an updated technical bulletin about not using the new belt pulley update, that there was an issue with it. I can't remember the detail of that post.
</strong><hr></blockquote>

Robin, thanks!! Finally I get an explanation on this issue. I thought I was the only one that had such an experience... the dealer simply kept changing the belts.

Thanks!!

 

[quote]Originally posted by Jeff 993TT:
<strong>You can identify the new pulley without disassembly.

First, the material is different, you will notice that it is a dull gold color instead of a dark brown/black color.

Next, look at the pulley itself, you will notice that it contains extra material around the shaft area, serving as a washer. This should be right next to the 22 mm nut which holds it to the alternator shaft.

Jeff</strong><hr></blockquote>

Hm... okay... I went out & looked at mine, and I believe the pulleys are a goldish color. Can't really say as to the extra material, though. I'll look at Robin's DIY photos, maybe that'll help.

{Later...}

Okay, mine looks just like this (from Robin's DIY: <a href="http://p-car.com/diy/belts/shaftnutcloseup.jpg)." target="_blank">http://p-car.com/diy/belts/shaftnutcloseup.jpg).</a> So I guess I'm good; Robin wouldn't be taking photos of the old pulley assembly! <img src="graemlins/wave.gif" border="0" alt="[byebye]" />

Corrected URL:

<a href="http://p-car.com/diy/belts/shaftnutcloseup.jpg" target="_blank">http://p-car.com/diy/belts/shaftnutcloseup.jpg</a>

 

Hi Robert,


&gt;Okay, mine looks just like this (from Robin's DIY:

Have you tried your link with the added ")"? Hilarious! That was intentional, wasn't it?


<img src="graemlins/drink.gif" border="0" alt="[cherrsagai]" />

 

Uh... Yeah! Yeah, I meant to do that, that's the ticket...

 

[quote]Originally posted by Robert Henriksen:
[QB]

So I guess I'm good; Robin wouldn't be taking photos of the old pulley assembly! <img src="graemlins/wave.gif" border="0" alt="[byebye]" />

<hr></blockquote>


Dude,

That was a picture of the "OLD" pulley assembly. The "NEW" pulley assembly have the tappered washer integrated as one piece with the pulley. I will try to dig it up in my garage somewhere and try to take a picture of it.

 

Dude, I'm gettin' a Dell!

Sorry, couldn't resist <img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" />

A picture would be great, thanks.

 

I just made an appointment to change the belts and get the pulley update, if needed. I will keep the old parts and take pictures, but it is not until the 29th.

Also, the oil was changed in August, Should I really change it again when it is in?