Oh no! QX4 take a ride on a tow truck!

[bmlawless]

So I'm merging on the freeway Friday and I turn to my wife and say, "this is full throttle, not quite as powerful as the Chevy." I must have angered the little guy because no sooner do the words come out when a massive orchestra of banging and clanging erupts accompanied by unmistakeable knocking on the underside of the car and pieces of machinery rolling down the freeway behind us. Additionally, my dash lit up like the Rockefeller Christmas Tree.

Now, I have been driving vehicles when the engine has blown before so my first thought was, "I wonder what a junk yard will give me for a 1999 QX4 with a good transmission and a really nice body?" as I throw it in neutral and coast to the side of the road. As I do, I notice that the tach still indicates that the motor is running smoothly. I also see that the only lights that are on are the alternator, A/T temp, and one other. When I come to a stop, I notice that the engine is running quietly and smoothly.

I couldn't have been in a worse spot on the freeway and it was right in the middle of rush hour. I had my wife and my dogs and a car load of groceries. Could this have happened when I drove around by myself all day as part of my job? Of course not! I get the wife and pooches off the road and have her watch for cars as I pop the hood. As I suspected, a pulley had come off and one of my belts was sitting there doing nothing for me. I started her up, backed it about a hundred yards back up to the on-ramp and waited for the tow truck.

My mechanic actually found the pulley in the engine compartment. He suspects it was the spacer and some sort of cover that went flying out underneath. I should have it back today. Whew!
Modified by bmlawless at 1:19 PM 4/7/2008

[fueler]

What pulley was it? Alternator?

[bmlawless]

It was the tension pulley on the belt closer to the engine. It turns the alternator for sure, but I didn't take the time to look at what else. The timing belt had been replaced just before I bought it so I am assuming that the pulley wasn't properly tightened down.

By the way, my grammar is good enough to know that "QX4 take a ride" is incorrect, but I didn't catch it before I posted.

[KoukiS14]

man I have to be frank. . I pretty much voided in my pants when I read that.

[tmorgan4]

I can see how that pulley came off.....have you changed the belts yourself or recently had them replaced? There's a torque rating in the FSM for the nut that holds the pulley on. Too tight and the pulley doesn't spin freeley, too loose and this happens. Not that it's a common occurance, but it wouldn't surprise me if it just got left loose.

[tmorgan4]

By the way, it was a good move to have it towed even though it was still running well. The belt that spins the alternator runs the water pump too.

[bmlawless]

I'm pretty sure it was related to the timing belt replacement. All of that stuff has to be taken off when that is done so I'm sure it happened when it was put back together.

My mechanic just called and it was $30 to put it back together. He checked the rest of the nuts and bolts for all of the pulleys, covers, tensioners, etc., while he was there. Everything else looked good.

[bmlawless]

By the way, it was a good move to have it towed even though it was still running well. The belt that spins the alternator runs the water pump too.

That's why I pay State Farm about $3.00 every 6 months for Roadside Assistance. There's never any hesitation to tow it because of cost. I swear I have made half my insurance premiums back on towing alone over the years.

[fueler]

Those free tows are great for a night of obscene drinking, and getting towed home! I always request a flatbed!

[bmlawless]

I will only call Naylor Towing in Boise. They always send flatbeds, they have quick response, they bill my insurance directly, and they have nice drivers.

[GoodOmens]

Those free tows are great for a night of obscene drinking, and getting towed home! I always request a flatbed!

You've seriously done that? Thats hysterical!

[fueler]

You've seriously done that? Thats hysterical!

Hysterical?? Its great! Drinking and driving is TERRIBLE and free tow is worth it, even if you have to go above the alotted miles and pay extra. My DUI is going to cost me $10,000 when all is said and done. I'm never going to make that mistake again! When i call, i simply say my car is overheating, but runs - then you can drive the car up the flatbed to make it quick!

[GoodOmens]

Hysterical?? Its great! Drinking and driving is TERRIBLE and free tow is worth it, even if you have to go above the alotted miles and pay extra. My DUI is going to cost me $10,000 when all is said and done. I'm never going to make that mistake again! When i call, i simply say my car is overheating, but runs - then you can drive the car up the flatbed to make it quick!

I meant Hysterical as opposed to calling a cab

That reminds me of the Captains Morgan commercial where they go to the pizza shop to order home delivery.

Heh I'll have to try it sometime ....

[KoukiS14]

I'd be all like "Myklmkyj car is ocjkaocver heat ,fjdalkjfadkl . . . **** YOU!!1" But then again, when I drink . . I drink

I have AAA tho, so in all honesty I may use it for this.

[fueler]

I meant Hysterical as opposed to calling a cab

Man i hate cabs! They smell bad and the music sucks! I like Lincoln town car service. It only costs slightly more than a cab and well worth it! But the best is rollin up to the club in a QX4!!!

[pathfinder_se_black]

Those free tows are great for a night of obscene drinking, and getting towed home! I always request a flatbed!

that's a bad *** idea