Macster

and was going to install it as preventative maintenance. Car an 03 with low miles ( less than 11000 miles) but belt is 7+ years old and like tires I think a rubber belt affected by time as much as use.

Anyhow, tech said belt change on the Turbo not as straightforward as that of Boxster. Once Boxster's engine access panel removed from behind seats belt's right there and easy to remove old one and install new one. I've done this several times and not hard at all.

Turbo requires the airbox be removed -- no biggie -- but also one pulley -- power steering I think -- and to make matters worse the nut to use to remove tension from belt to remove belt and to install new belt hard to get to and one doesn't want to jam a wrench in there and bend metal brace that runs along next to and close to nut.

So... what's the secret of doing a serpentine belt R&R on these things. Dealer quoted me 1 hour labor which brings price up to approx. $250 with belt cost factored in. Not unreasonable and not like it has to be done to often, but would like to know if easier way to change it in case I need to change it while away from convenient dealer.

Sincerely,

Macster.

slant911

There is a DIY on renntech.org. Don't have it in front of me but a quick search will surely locate it.

killerbee

Closed end wrench works fine to get at the pulley bolt. BTW a gate belt is just fine and costs a fraction. For reference rockauto.com.

Mikelly

Yea, I bought a belt from Pelicanparts and will be doing this shortly... from what I saw of the DIY on Rentech, it didn't look like much of a job... 30 minutes?

MAYBE?

Then again, I've heard of MASF sensors being replaced at the dealership for $280 in labor...
Mike

raineycd

I had to do an alternator recently which requires the removal of the belt. I did it and I don't remember it being that hard. I don't think you have to remove any pulleys and I just used a socket to move the tensioner.

raineycd

Oh, be sure you diagram the routing of the belt BEFORE you take it off...