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Reputable Mechanics -- Separating Fact from Fiction

91 messages,  Last post on Feb 21, 2009 at 4:17 AM

You are in the Maintenance & Repair Forum. Your Host is mr_shiftright

What is this discussion about? Brakes, Electrical, Engine, Exhaust, Fuel System, Steering, Suspension, Transmission, Car Warranties, Coupe, Convertible, Hatchback, Truck, Sedan, Wagon, SUV, Van

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#52 of 91 if they are pulling parallel, by all means replace 'em all by swschrad Aug 21, 2004 (9:26 pm)
used to be in the nasty old days, you would have two or maybe three V-belts that drove most all the accessories... mostly because if you used only one belt with the air conditioning compressor in there, it would have a lousy life span. under those conditions, if multiple belts are needed to transfer power to one set of loads, you absolutely need to replace 'em all at the same time. otherwise, the new one will take all the load, being unstretched, and will break. that flips a wild belt under the other drive belt on that load, and fling it off as well.   this happens late at night, or sunday suppertime, with the tow on, 30 miles from nowhere, on the second-hottest day of the year, in my experience. you don't want to be there.   belts are not expensive. I'm with 0patience on this one, I've been there.
#53 of 91 by Mr_Shiftright HOST Aug 22, 2004 (9:03 am)
"the longest journey begins with a single broken drive belt".   Old Chinese proverb
#55 of 91 Belts by armtdm Aug 24, 2004 (3:53 pm)
All three belts were replaced at the same time to begin with and the inner one frayed for some reason but other two looked fine. So yes, had to remove the two good ones to get to the bad one. I did have all three done but the issue is that rather then be honest and explaing the situation and probabilities etc. etc. he simply says, hey, I don't like aftermarket belts.   Of course at the dealer the belts are marked up 200% so that an $11 belt is charged out at $30.
#56 of 91 Belts by armtdm Aug 24, 2004 (3:54 pm)
All three belts were replaced at the same time to begin with and the inner one frayed for some reason but other two looked fine. So yes, had to remove the two good ones to get to the bad one. I did have all three done but the issue is that rather then be honest and explaing the situation and probabilities etc. etc. he simply says, hey, I don't like aftermarket belts.   Of course at the dealer the belts are marked up 200% so that an $11 belt is charged out at $30.
#57 of 91 armtdm, by 0patience Aug 24, 2004 (5:37 pm)
Ok, I misunderstood. And would have to agree that an explanation should have been given.   If the belts were new or looked fairly new, there was no reason to recommend them. Belts are belts and there is not much difference between OEM and aftermarket, with some exceptions in the serpentine belt category. Some of the Ford OEM serpentine belts outlast aftermarket by far. Not sure why that is.   Now, if we were talking sensors or electrical, then I would have to say that OEM is the only way to go, as aftermarket ones tend to have problems.
#58 of 91 I couldn't get rid of "idler squeaks" by swschrad Aug 25, 2004 (2:57 pm)
on two fords using factory belts. changed to a gates serpentine, bingo, no issues.   the OEM belts for both ford and GM look and feel like Dayton belts. the rubber is a little different, less grippy. so they're more slippy.   do what you want, but I'm sticking with gates.
#59 of 91 Re: Good Topic! [Mr_Shiftright] by carconfused Sep 16, 2004 (11:24 am)
Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Feb 20, 2004 8:54 am) Can you help me find a good mechanic in Boston MA to take a car in to be inspected before I buy it? Thank you!
#60 of 91 Help I need a mechanic by carconfused Sep 16, 2004 (12:12 pm)
Can someone please help me? I am trying to buy a used car, but i ahve no idea where to bring it to be inspected before I buy it. It's a 98 Honda Civic EX with 80,000... it looks great and has a clean erccord but I want to be careful. I need to find a mechanic in Boston... Any advice? Thanks, Katherine
#61 of 91 Re: My feeling... [isellhondas] by carconfused Sep 16, 2004 (12:16 pm)
Replying to: isellhondas (Jun 06, 2004 3:57 pm) Do you sell Hondas? Where? I am looking at a used Honda and I need to bring it in to be insopected, it's a 98' Civic EX w/ 80,000 miles on it, I am desperately trying to find a mechanic in Boston - any advice? Replies to this message: isellhondas (Sep 16, 2004 3:48 pm)

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