Changing belts?

[OptimusPrime]

While getting my oil change today (M1SYN) they pointed out that my serpentine belt and the fan belt were cracking. Are these 2 belts easy to change without alot of tools? What I have is a medium size socket set (standard and metric) and a variety of wrenches. If not then I gues I can pay to have it done.

[DR.Q]

While getting my oil change today (M1SYN) they pointed out that my serpentine belt and the fan belt were cracking. Are these 2 belts easy to change without alot of tools? What I have is a medium size socket set (standard and metric) and a variety of wrenches. If not then I gues I can pay to have it done.

They are extremely easy to change. All you need is (I think) a 12mm for the tension pulleys. Loosen those up, pull off the old belts and slide the new ones on. Nothin' to it.

[DAEDALUS]

The pulley nuts have to be loosened before adjusting the tensioners. Otherwise you'll destroy the tensioner rod threads.

[pimpingurz]

The pulley nuts have to be loosened before adjusting the tensioners. Otherwise you'll destroy the tensioner rod threads.

if it's too tight or loose would it cause the belt to squeal?

[Jesda]

Too loose would cause it to squeal. Bad/failing pulleys would also cause it to squeal.

[gniknave]

I get a squeal on a morning (first) startup. Think that could be loose belts?

[DAEDALUS]

In most cases a little cinching of the belt cures the squealing. Doesn't necessarily mean the belt is still good though!

[pimpingurz]

I get a squeal on a morning (first) startup. Think that could be loose belts?

I have the same problem. BTW all of my belts was replaced a few months ago.

What do you mean by cinching?

[DAEDALUS]

Tightening.

[pimpingurz]

can you explain which ones need to be tightened? I look under the hood and don't know where to start

[DAEDALUS]

The loosest one? Maybe just a coincidence, but in my limited experience the squealing belt has always the alternator belt.

[pimpingurz]

great! will give that a shot. Thanks!
Modified by pimpingurz at 5:33 PM 12/16/2004

[Jesda]

You can physically feel which belt is looser. Also pay attention to when the squeal occurs. At startup or under heavy acceleration? Under acceleration, its usually the water pump/PS belt, and its usually the pulley that is at fault.

Not sure what the symptom was when my AC belt snapped off and the pulley seized. I think it happened in the winter. Obviously when summer rolled around I was warm.

[pimpingurz]

squealin usuallly only occur during a cold startup. when the engine is still warm it won't squeal.