Dealer just told me my engine belts are cracking and they recommend replacing 2 for $165. He said they dont typically replace the bets until 50-60K. Anyone had their belts replaced or think this is a little odd?

 

One of mine is cracking at 30k. Dealer said no go for warranty. If you at all mechanical, you can do them yourself for 1/2 of that.

 

You can do them for 1/4 of that with the best Gates belts and about an hour of your time. They're not hard to change at all.

 

Hey, on that note, where is the best place to buy them?

 

Is there a DIY for this and part number? Thanks.

 

Definitely go aftermarket belts - gatorbacks or gates. I had mine replaced recently w/ gatorbacks because the oem belts were squealing soooo bad. I took mine to a local shop and they did it for $65(labor only).

 

Entirely possible, since the belts may not have been new when installed.
They're easy to check yourself.
C.

 

???? i'm confused. do you mean they may have been replaced before with used belts?

 

Mine started cracking about 34K. They were replaced at 52k. They looked bad but not scary.

 

Anyone who has replaced theirs...can I get a part number and any details on how to do this? I bought a bunch of tools to try to take care of my own car this time, but some instructions would really be helpful. Thanks.

 

FYI, just because the belt has cracks in the ribs doesn't mean it needs replacement. Even the FSM states this. Only when the ribs start flaking off is when you should really be concerned about replacing the belts. Now if the belt is cracking on top (ie smooth portion of the belt), then yes, replace it right away because it will probably last no more than a few miles. My accessory belt on my old Maxima had 113K miles and it still looked fine when I sold the car. The ribs were cracking, but the belt was still pliable when I removed it for inspection at 70 and 90 and 110K miles and the ribs weren't flaking off.

It sounds to me like these dealerships are taking advantage of people.

 

To do the install you will need a 10mm socket (6pt), ratchet and extension. You may need other sizes if you need to loosen the nut on the tensioner as well (I didn't).

All you do is remove the splash guard on the bottom of your car and loosen the tensioners for both belts. Remove the old belts and put on the new ones. Tighten the main belt to ~1/4 turn and the A/C belt to ~1/2 turn and put it back together. You may need to re-tighten after a few miles.

If you can get a shop to do it for ~$65 it might be worth it to you. Depends on if you like working on your car or not.

 

Wow, that IS easy. Now if I can get a part number from anyone (aftermarket preferred), I'll do it myself this weekend. No wonder its only a $165 charge. The part is probably $20 and 15 mins of labor if that. "Cha-Ching" said the dealer.

BTW, Im sure most know this but for those like me who did not, the service guys salary works as such. Base salary is about 50-60K, 25% commission on Customer Service Satisfaction ratings (or such), 30% on sales of Customer Products. Ever wondered why the service guys were so insistant on getting something taken care of right away? (I found this out because my service guys is new and didnt mind telling me the way it works).

 

I'm sure what Colin means is they may have not been "factory fresh" when installed, not used. I wouldn't complain about having to replace a serpentine belt at 43K, they tend to start getting noisy by then anyway from my experience. I'd have to look at my car, but why would the bottom guard have to be removed?

 

As for the part numbers I am not sure. My main drive belt changed with the Stillen SC. If you call any auto parts store that carries Gates belts they can give you the part numbers. Even Autozone or checker can give you the sizes.