My Q is out of service for the weekend.

[louiegz]

So I was driving at lunchtime today doing some errands. On my way back to work, my power steering stopped working. I thought I was low on fluid in the P/S pump and figured I fill it when I get home. About 5 blocks away from work, I noticed my temp gauge was all the way up. I got to work, parked the Q and turned it off right away. Sure enough, the P/S – water pump belt broke. I had those changed less than three years ago. I was surprised it snapped. Now the Q is parked in front of my job until I get it replaced on Monday with all new belts. I'm just hoping no permanent damage was done from the overheating. So a word of advice for the not so mechanically inclined, like me, if you loose your power steering, keep an eye on the temp gauge.

[cabal1024]

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I hope she's okay. You have no auto parts stores open on weekends? That is lame.

[Rex]

The idler pully/tensioner for that belt is what casued your belt to snap. You'll need to replace that. Wes will suggest you just take it to NAPA and have them press a new bearing in it. I'd suggest you check all 3 of them.

After an overheat, you should change the oil and ATF. Expect the worse and hope for the best.

[maxnix]

Too bad Louie. I suggest you have joe overnight the belts and pulleys (do all three to save on labor). You can return unused parts in original packaging.

Know also that in everything there are different grades, insluding blets and bearings. Don't count on local Yankee purveyor of imported low bid Chinese parts to have the top grade that is OEM. Read TexasOil's post on bearings if you source locally. Belts aren't even worth the risk.

[louiegz]

After an overheat, you should change the oil and ATF. Expect the worse and hope for the best.

It was due for an oil change, so that will be done. I'm not too worried about the overheat. I think I drove like 5 min when the P/S went out and less than half that time with the overheat. Lets just cross our fingers.

><

I hope she's okay. You have no auto parts stores open on weekends? That is lame.

Not the parts store. My Mechanic dont work on the weekends. Not something I want to do in front of my work on the weekend in 30 degree weather. Let the pros do it.

[elwesso]

I would definitely say its probably the idler that caused the belt to break because the belt wont snap like that especially in that time frame!

Id replace all 3 idler pulley bearings like Rex said. IF you dont want to mess with taking the idlers out and have the bearings replaced then get 3 new ones from Joe. The bearings are like $15 each + a few to have them pressed, and new pullies are like $100.

[Q45tech]

Even a 5 minute overheat can crack the knock sensors, however it might have been cold enough outside to escape punishment?

Owners need frequent financial punishment [dog with rolled newspaper] to learn the advantages of frequent inspections.I had those changed less than three years ago

[tkd_q45]

Be greatful you caught it early. My wife drove our 92 till - as she put it in a phone call to me "honey the car is making funny noises!" - at which point I asked her to check the temp gauge - to which she replied "oh my God it's totally in the red!!!" She was pulling of the fwy and litterally rolled to stop as the engine stalled out.

That said, the headgasket was blown but the car still ran as strong before the incident and only needed coolant added every so many days. Daedalus still drives her - though I don't know how often, or if he has taken the time to fix the head gasket.

[qship96]

if he is still driving with a blown headgasket,and coolant enters the oil,it wont take long to destroy the engine-coolant is one of the worst chemicals you could introduce to the lubricated components of a motor

[louiegz]

Well, I got my car back today. The mechanic changed all the belts, the damaged tension pulley & he also changed my fan that had a bunch of stress cracks on it. I knew it was due. All this for $357.00. $100.00 of it was the labor. I think it was very reasonable. Much better that the dealer. I think I'll use this guy for future repairs as long as it's nothing too complex. As far as any repercussions from the overheating, I don't notice any yet, but I only drove the car for 5 minutes. Seems fine to me. I'll get an oil change this weekend & I'll see if the Q acts up. Thanks for the advice, guys.

[superuber]

Did he use a oem pulley? just curious.

[louiegz]

Did he use a oem pulley? just curious.

Yea Ruber. All parts were OEM. He picked it up at the dealer and showed me all the boxes. It was cool of him to pick up the parts. The trip to the dealer and back is about 1hr.

[Haitian_King]

My cousin had a Q before me and he told me that he had constant troubles with his Power steering.

So far my Q has treated me nicely, only acting up when it's cold. It bucks like no other. Temps over 35F are great and it runs like a dream.

I performed my first burnout in my school's parking lot lyesterday. It was snowing. So i went for it. It was fun.