Attempting Your Own Auto Repair
Your car may be making a funny noise
Your car may be making a funny noise. When you pull into your driveway the car quits. You open the hood and notice that the serpentine belt has broken. If you get it fixed, it will have to be towed to the shop. This is an expense that you may not be able to afford. You need your car. Can you do your own auto repair ? It may not be too much of a problem.Most times, it is not too much trouble to put a new serpentine belt on your car. Some cars are easier than others are. Some may be almost impossible to get to. Try doing an online search on your vehicle make. You can often find good information in discussion groups. Next, get a belt routing diagram. Check under the hood. Look in the car manual. You can also find them online. You need a diagram to show you how the serpentine belt goes on.
Belt tensioner are what keeps the serpentine belt on the system. Belt tensioners have inner springs and a pulley. On the opposite side of the tensioner is the idler pulley. It is a pulley mounted to the block. It keeps the belt balanced. You can usually release tension on the belt by moving the tensioner. You stick a socket driver or wrench on them and push.
How long are you planning to keep your car? If you have no plans on replacing your car, do some preventative care. Replace the tensioner and the idler pulley. Your serpentine belt cannot work without them. If they quit, so will your car. You may be stranded somewhere in the process. Do not get the cheapest serpentine belt either. A good belt will wear long and not squeal.
Check out the prices at more than one place. You will find that prices may vary considerably from store to store. Check out their website or call the store.
Before you replace the serpentine belt, make sure that all surfaces are clean. It works best if you have a helper, but is not absolutely necessary. Make sure the belt is routed properly. The top connection is usually the best to save for last. It may be difficult to get the new belt on. You may need to stretch it a little. Sometimes you can use a large screwdriver. Be very careful that you do not damage anything in the process. Push the tensioner down. Once the belt is on you release the tensioner and you are done.
In closing
You can make your own auto repairs. Take the time to know what to do. Consider preventative care. Try to replace things before they break, if possible.
by: Allen Wright.