Late Night After Work Car Problems

[Lzen]

Originally Posted by Hammock Parties

****ing money pits man. I'm taking mine in to get the brakes looked at and it needs the A/C fixed.

Had to have my 2011 Kia AC compressor replaced. He did the serpentine belt while he was at it. All told it was $1150. I knew it was going to be expensive going in but that still sucks.

[DJ's left nut]

Originally Posted by Lzen

Had to have my 2011 Kia AC compressor replaced. He did the serpentine belt while he was at it. All told it was $1150. I knew it was going to be expensive going in but that still sucks.

For the record, there's nothing in the world easier than changing a serpentine belt (and why I do it anytime anything else needs working on).

You probably have a simple spring tensioner with a slot for a 3/8 inch ratchet (I use a breaker bar; not everyone has one).

Just draw a little diagram with big and little circles representing the respective wheels (roughly where they would be on the motor) then draw your belt in - over, under, over, under - done.

Take the tension off, remove the belt, remove the tension again, put the new one on in the same way your little diagram shows and you're done.

If you're really paranoid (I always am) take a couple pictures just as a double-check of your diagram.

Serpentine belts are super easy and the number of people you hear driving around with worn belts makes no sense to me. Fellas, if that thing lets go it's not exactly a disaster like a timing belt failing, but it ain't a lot of fun trying to limp that thing home without that belt and if you're extremely unlucky it can wrap around stuff after it breaks and wreak all sorts of havoc.

[crayzkirk]

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

For the record, there's nothing in the world easier than changing a serpentine belt (and why I do it anytime anything else needs working on).

You probably have a simple spring tensioner with a slot for a 3/8 inch ratchet (I use a breaker bar; not everyone has one).

Just draw a little diagram with big and little circles representing the respective wheels (roughly where they would be on the motor) then draw your belt in - over, under, over, under - done.

Take the tension off, remove the belt, remove the tension again, put the new one on in the same way your little diagram shows and you're done.

If you're really paranoid (I always am) take a couple pictures just as a double-check of your diagram.

Serpentine belts are super easy and the number of people you hear driving around with worn belts makes no sense to me. Fellas, if that thing lets go it's not exactly a disaster like a timing belt failing, but it ain't a lot of fun trying to limp that thing home without that belt and if you're extremely unlucky it can wrap around stuff after it breaks and wreak all sorts of havoc.

I agree to a point... The issue with a lot of vehicles with the transverse mounted engine is that the components are really difficult to get to if you don't have a lift and the belt tensioner is shoehorned in where you might need a special tool and really small hands to get the new belt in place. They really don't seem to have put a lot of thought into repairs.

Brakes are usually fairly easy, most people neglect replacing the brake fluid every few years. It's hydroscopic and will cause severe damage to the components if allowed to remain in the system too long. Most shops will do this for a pretty minimal fee. I usually do it when I get my vehicles inspected.

Yeah, sounds like the alternator or voltage regulator on the original vehicle.

[Otter]

Originally Posted by Lzen

Had to have my 2011 Kia AC compressor replaced. He did the serpentine belt while he was at it. All told it was $1150. I knew it was going to be expensive going in but that still sucks.

I just priced some alternators for my 2023 Tacoma on Amazon and the average was about $115 dollars (napkin math). I would have swapped it out myself however.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=2023+taco...ref=nb_sb_noss