can I really change my 960 97 serpentinve belt?

diyer97 · Post by **diyer97** » 05 Jan 2010, 07:12

I have done some readings and have the needed tools mentioned (3/8 ratchet, 1/2 inch drive...). Reasons for wanting to do it myself are: save some money in this tough time; my mechanic estimate cost to replace it with timing belt was from $ 550 - $600) which is lots of money while we're in the process of moving; Timing belt has another 10k+ miles on it and seems to be in good shape so I think of replacing serpentine belt only.

What puzzle me is the tensioner: is it spring-loaded or shocked loaded (as mentioned also for foreign car) ..and how one would release it using above mentioned tools . Anyone here has done it and care to share your
experience doing it and your true opinion whether I could/should do it is
greatly appreciated !!!

danr960 · Post by **danr960** » 05 Jan 2010, 09:22

The serpentine tensioner is spring loaded, when you use the 1/2 drive in square hole to release the tension, there will be a small hole about 3/16" in diameter on the moveable arm that will line up with a matching hole on the stationary part of the tensioner, place an small bolt or an allen wrench when those holes line up, this will keep the tensioner compressed. It makes it easier to work, because you will now have both hands to use.

Not sure about the cost to change the s belt and t belt, but maybe he is figuring to swap out a tensioner and idler pulleys too. I don't think it could take more than a couple of hours of time.

DanR '94 964 347,000 miles (113,000 on the new engine)

diyer97 · Post by **diyer97** » 05 Jan 2010, 10:54

Hi Danr960,
Thanks a lots for the info...
Now I have another problem...Our driver door lock kept locking even when I used the original key, the lock/unlock key button on instrument panel while other doors unlocked. The driver door can only be unlocked from the inside using the "thing" that you grab onto when normally do to open any door from inside. Do you think the door lock mechanism just got jam...the interesting thing was it happened after I RE-USED the keyless entry remote after it sat for about 4 years in a drawer...

diyer97,
Oh, I think I will try to do that serpentine belt this weekend. Thanks again !

Post by **RobTheModd** » 05 Jan 2010, 11:05

I got quoted 552 for a tbelt and waterpump, with gas refill and labor.

so yeah, tbelt should really only be like 200 with labor and part.

its up to you, but when it comes to parts like that i dont mess with them just because one wrong tick and your off to get a new motor.

if youve got 10k more miles.. id change it, and keep the old one if you can for a spare just in case.

your door problem confuses me though..
can you explain it a bit more?
im sure someone else gets it as i am running on about 2 hours of sleep... *thought I was getting the day off*
and the thing you dont know the name of... lol just call it the lever.

diyer97 · Post by **diyer97** » 05 Jan 2010, 12:08

Hi RobtheMood,

Thanks for your reply...So my quoted cost included water pump sounds fair and reasonable (like yours )..I probably let the mechanic do it and keep the water pump just in case but won't keep the t-belt since I don't know how to do timing,TDC, myself...
Thank you for refreshing my mind on that "lever" thing..you still get
your humor even with 2 hours of sleep...

diyer97 · Post by **diyer97** » 06 Jan 2010, 12:27

ReHi RobtheModd,
Back to the door lock problem...on driver side...
I can open all other doors by pulling the levers after I unlocked with the key accept the driver door. Any ideas what is wrong?
Thanks,

Post by **RobTheModd** » 06 Jan 2010, 13:33

so are you saying that the lever inside the car and the handle outside on the driver door do not work?

WAIT!
or are you saying you cannot open your door via the exterior door handle?
BUT
you can still open it via the interior door lever?
If so I know whats wrong. how to explain it is the problem...
Im taking my door panel off tonight to replace my bad door check. so ill snap some photos.
if its what I think it is.. the piece may have fallen into the door, so just get a wire coat hanger.
its a 30 min repair. longest part is getting to the area. I ended up cutting away alot of plastic.

diyer97 · Post by **diyer97** » 06 Jan 2010, 14:10

Hi RobTheModd,

I don't think you're trying to help me solving my door lock problem by taking your car door apart and taking pics to demonstrate what steps I have to take right ?...Just kidding you!!!

I appreciate whatever info that you share from fixing your own door lock problem.

Thanks!

Ps: I just posted the new thread hoping more people see it