How soon should I change this belt? (Pic)

[maxchao]

So I start hearing belt (or whatever under the hood) squeaking every other start up since I left my car sitting around this summer. The squeaking would last around 20 seconds, and its amplitude is rpm dependent. I opened up the hood today and saw this. (picture)

I never work on a belt or anything complicated on a car, how long would it take usually?

Thanks

 

[Matt V]

Within a week, if possible.

 

[bgibb68]

yeah....like as soon as you can.....just find a helper....jack the car up.....go ahead and change them both out.....belts are about 40 bucks and takes like an hour....if you take it somewhere and they quote more than a hundred laugh in their faces

 

[Metallic36]

Yeah, ASAP. I see you're from ATL, there are a lot of us from that area or near there, and some that may be able to help out if needed. It's not too difficult to change the belts, just make sure they give you the right ones.

 

[kudakev615]

yesterday

 

[maxchao]

Thanks a lot for all the help!

So I am reading the service manual...and found some questions. (Hopefully not stupid)

1. Basically I just loose three bolts, take out the belts, put the new ones on, and adjust deflection with one bolt, and tighten all three when the deflection is right?

2. Is it a two people job or I can do it by myself?

3. I don't have to worry about the Valve Clearance Adjustment right?

I'll change out both belts together.

 

[bgibb68]

right on about the bolts....
2 people make the change alot easier especially to get them on....one from under the car, one from above....

no idea about the valve clearance adj???

 

[junya1985]

Thanks a lot for all the help!

So I am reading the service manual...and found some questions. (Hopefully not stupid)

1. Basically I just loose three bolts, take out the belts, put the new ones on, and adjust deflection with one bolt, and tighten all three when the deflection is right?

2. Is it a two people job or I can do it by myself?

3. I don't have to worry about the Valve Clearance Adjustment right?

I'll change out both belts together.

Ok no valve clearance adj needed and two people is a plus but can be done just as easy with one the bolts should be a 12mm and 14mm and jack it up makes it easier

 

[dxaveP5]

Ok no valve clearance adj needed and two people is a plus but can be done just as easy with one the bolts should be a 12mm and 14mm and jack it up makes it easier

+1
very easy to do

 

[maxchao]

Nice! I don't have jacks but I do have a ramp. It's going to be a fun project this weekend, I'm only hoping that it don't break before then.

That valve clearance thing is in the page right after the belt adjustment in the manual...that's why I was confused.

Thanks a lot people!

 

[P-Funk!]

Everbody says 'jack' for belts - but i didn't have to... [puzzled]

 

[shaundizzle]

lol yesterday is right! Get your $20 and get to the nearest AutoZone, and git' r'done! When I got my harmonic balancer (crank pulley) replaced, I had put all the origional belts back on just to get it running for the night, then of course 2 days later my alternator belt snapped. Anyways to the point... I changed that thing in the mall parking lot where I left my car overnight - and it took a total of 10 minutes... just get it done and get your ass back on the road!(drive)

 

[maxchao]

I got it done! It actually took me 3 hours, but I found that when people say 1 hour it would take me 3, most likely because I am new, so that was expected. The alternator adjusting bolt was kinda hard to reach so I had to moved a few things around on the top and had my arm scratched here and there but all was good.

Measuring the deflection was a little hard without proper tools, but I turn the bolt back to where it was (there is black oil/rust on the exposed side so it was easy.), and it seems to me that put the deflection to the right place. I did some sport driving and 30 miles hwy after that and all seems ok. No more squeaking either.

That was a fun Saturday afternoon project. We ate BBQ after that to make it even more awesome lol.

 

[Muderfahker]

What would have been the proper deflection. I am undertaking the same project and would like to know how to get the proper tightness