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So last weekend I had my 2008 997.1 C4S cab at the Atlanta Experience Center. While getting after it, quite literally in the middle (both of the track and off the session) my drive belt (I’ve known it as a serpentine belt in past vehicles) broke.
the car had to be towed to a local service center. I’m wondering what the repair costs might be, if this is “normal,” and should I be worried in the future?
The drive belt part itself is not expensive. You can get the part for under $50 and do this yourself if you wanted. Instructions are shown below. The dealer will probably charge you a nice penny, however, to do the job. They’ll prob charge you $250-300 for labor and the part itself or even suggest you change out some bolts/pulleys while they’re at it is my guess.
Bigger question is why it broke. Modern serpentine belts are pretty strong and long lasting so id make sure none of the pullies are seized/damaged before just installing a nee belt
+1 to Quadcammer comment. Check the old belt and find the failure point. If the car’s at a shop already, the techs should be capable enough to devine the reason for the break.
Sorry to hear you broke a serp, like the other posters here, I agree these belts are generally indestructible, to a certain extent.
The failure of the belt is the obvious part, but there may have been an underlying cause, a dying pump or pulley placing an extra load/twist/friction on the belt.
A P car specialist would see this stuff all the time, know that the cause is, and fix it in a way you shouldn't have to worry about it, or any other bits around it for another 60K miles.
Thank you all for the input. Waiting to hear now what they say. I really wanted opinions on the general cost so I knew what ballpark to be in. It's at Porsche of South Atlanta. As soon as I know, I'll post so you guys can learn from the info too.
Bigger question is why it broke. Modern serpentine belts are pretty strong and long lasting so id make sure none of the pullies are seized/damaged before just installing a nee belt
My thought too. Had a belt failure on my -09 C4S which was due to a seized up water pump. Is there such a thing as a water pump about to seize up, putting stress on the belt causing it to fail before the pump fails?
I just had my car at my indy to look into an issue with the steering column and when doing an inspection to look for an occasional squeal from the back end, they have recommended replacing the serpentine belt and tensioner. The cost seems quite high (nearly $900 CAD). I have no problem replacing the belt myself, have found numerous DIYs to help. My question is - do I need to replace the tensioner and other rollers? The tensioner itself seems like a job and "baby hands" are needed to get at the bolts.
Thoughts on just doing the belt?
Note - the tech said that the belt was "glazed" and as far as I know it's never been replaced (so 17-18 years old).
Symptom - on a drive a couple weeks ago, there was a good squeal from the back. I've driven at least a dozen times since and nothing.
Thoughts? Appreciate opinions!
Sounds like the tensioner has never been replaced either. It recommended to do both with the age. With that said, they sure its the belt and not the water pump? If that has never been replaced, I would do all 3 while you're in there. Cheap maintenance and peace of mind.
Well... this brings up all kinds of questions. 17-18 years ... that is like neglect. I recommend going through Porsche recommended maintenance schedule (prescribed in both miles or time) and do all the work required (or neglected). This may include oil, plugs, brake fluid, etc. Given its age, I would also seriously consider changing other fluids such as power steering, coolant, and transmission. If your car is a .1, 2008 and prior, I would replace the water pump as they are a troublesome part.
Regarding the tensioner, there is no reason I am aware of to replace this based on time or miles (in my opinion). Its health can easily be determined when the belt is out.
Peace
Bruce in Philly (now Atlanta)
Last edited by Bruce In Philly; 07-23-2024 at 02:44 PM.
I guess it depends on your risk tolerance. This is my roller and belt. Lost it in heavy traffic at a highway speeds. I was lucky enough to find a safe place to stop before the engine overheated.
Yikes! glad that you were able to pull over!
Bruce - what do you take me for?!? HAHA! Maintenance has been kept up. Plugs, coils, brake fluid, transmission fluid, engine oil, coolant expansion tank, alternator, starter motor, etc etc all within the past 2-3 years (except oil which is annually) I replaced the water pump in '21. The belt however has never been on my radar and has never peaked the interest of a tech when I have brought it in before.
No offense intended. The belt is a standard, published maintenance item with a 40k mile or 4 year interval. It's replacement is in step with other items and as such, included in maintenance packages. Pretty standard stuff.
Back in late 2020, I purchased my 997 turbo. It had 18k miles and change. Who would think that the belt or anything else needed to be changed, right? About a month into ownership, I proactively did the air filter, fuel filter, and drive belt. Whelp, when I took the belt off, some of the ribbing on the belt was missing. So don't forget the drive belt when you're doing other regular maintenance.
08-06-2021, 05:30 AM
Drive / serpentine belt broke - cost to fix?
