FWIW, Harbor Freight sells a universal tensioner tool for less than the IPD tool: http://www.harborfreight.com/serpentine-belt-tool-kit-66344.html I've seen it at the local store if you have one near by. I have no personal experience with it, but it appears similar to the more expensive K-D Gearwren...

Well, we dropped Loki off at the indie shop and told them our story. The next day they ran it through their computer and said it didn't throw any codes that would indicate the solenoids are the problem (so at least we'll be able to return those, hopefully). Diagnosis: New trans. Ouch. :( It looks li...

When it comes to 1800's, the Yahoo Groups "1800list" is the place to be.

I use plastic interior trim tools to reduce marring, but a screw driver should work if you're careful. The DIY I followed had some pictures. I'm not sure where 1800ES found it. It mentioned the strut is sometimes retained with a pin clip. The struts on her car didn't have them, so simply prying off ...

The fluid was pretty dark when the quart or so drained out during the radiator replacement. So it's possible some sort of friction modifier had been added prior to buying the car.

I keep forgetting the Cruze is available with a manual right now. Now if only they would bring over a wagon version.

I installed ones from IPD on 1800ES' 850 wagon. Getting the panels off was the most time consuming part.

To get the new o-ring on, did you have to go through the whole battery removal process to get to the bracket retaining nut? In case anyone cares - no. I only had to remove upper turbo hose (for access) and then a nut holding a wiring harness clamp to the dip stick tube. I was doing this on a Sunday...

What a coincidence... we just did this project and I'm facing the same leak. To get the new o-ring on, did you have to go through the whole battery removal process to get to the bracket retaining nut?

Thanks for the write up as it looks like I'll be doing this job soon.

A couple of quick questions: You don't need to drain the fluid, correct? How much fluid seems to be lost?

Thanks!