think you just diagnosed my problem in the first min in a half. I have noticed one of the pulleys near my alternator wobble a bit a times and i think thats why it isnt producing a good charge to my battery which may be why my car randomly shuts off at times. When idle lile at a stop light. This car shop adjusted my belts awhile back so hopefully when i take it back to them its a simple adjustment fix. Awesome advice!!
This guy got me into auto repair! I've so much to be grateful for. His repair videos are flawless - honest, solid advice from a seasoned professional. Huge respect to ETCG!
@aeligos It could be loose but it could also be a bearing somewhere, if you feel you have it as tight as you should make it you might want to check the rotating components for a bearing issue.
Eric, I understand this is an older video but I have also been watching your newer videos, and your cameo appearances on TRQ. Welcome back! It would be great watching you perform car reviews for new Honda much like the car care nut channel. Would also love to get an idea of what’s happening in your world and if you’ve given up on RUclips. You have a lot of great content and thank you for all the information over the years. The community needs a tech experts opinion on Hondas to give them advice for new vehicles.
Thank you for the insight, I understand he is busy I will wait, This is my first time asking for help and on RUclips thank you for letting me know, Susan
Dude awesome information, very helpful. I do as much of my own work as I can and I just bought an Isuzu rodeo with an idle tic now I think I may be able to figure out what it is and why that check engine light is on without taking it to a shop, fingers crossed.
About these mobile mechanics; they probably willn't check that idler pulley you just mentioned and if that causes an issue with the alternator you will continue to have to replace that alternator for ever.
So my tensioner shakes when the car is idling. I guess I need to replace it right? By the way I had to watch around 10 videos until I found yours to get the info that I needed. Thank you very much! 👍
just wanted to say that i like your videos, you know your shit and im learning allot from you, expanding my knowledge of cars and engines in general. i work on my own cars and own small engines. the same principals that apply to car engines also apply to kohler k series for example
This provided a ton of info I'm grateful for. Wish you would've shown how to replace that top idle pulley because mines getting STUCK... and I wanted to know more about the rest of the Spinny wheel thingies. Like is everyone attached to the belt supposed to spin freely or is the very big bottom one the "crank shaft?" Does that one only spin by the engine and makes the others spin?...
This really helped me out in a difficult desicion! (It squeals only when the wheels are at max angle) so I thought I’d wait a while! After seeing this I won’t wait! ;=) Thanks a Lot Eric! Splendid video!
hey love to see you do a video on pblms with 3rd gen caravans with belt slipping off..and why a few caravans dnt have this pbm. gates solution of course fixes the pblm.
@Bbyslim87 You can remove the belt and start the engine to listen for the noise, if it's still there then it could have something to do with the timing belt area, if not you can rotate the pulleys by hand to see if you can hear or 'feel' the noise otherwise you may need to use the methods I show in my Finding A Noise video. Good luck.
@trekzilladmc I normally leave those alone but if it gets worse replace the tensioner, the point of the video is more to consider the belt and tensioner if you have a problem with one of the accessories like an alternator or power steering pump problem.
@TheDvayers Thank you very much for that comment as that is EXACTLY what I try to do when I make the videos, it's nice to know I'm doing my job well. Thanks again.
@BriggsMower Hard to say, if you know the belt is new and isn't glazed and that all the pulleys are good then perhaps there is an accessory that's having an issue like a power steering pump or AC compressor, it's worth checking out anyway. Good luck.
@RradioActiV83 Any of the name brands are good, I really haven't found a brand that was a problem up to this point. The important thing to take away from this is to also check the tensioner and pulleys, if the tensioner isn't good then a new belt won't be of much help.
Eric The Car Guy is awsome!!! He explains things that a stright-up dumb-ass can understand!! Thanks Eric!! Keep up the videos. they are very helpful. Even to mechanics who can't figure something out
@PVoyager Personally I would go with OE or a quality aftermarket part. Try to stay away from parts that come in unmarked white boxes is probably the best advice I can give.
My pulley looks just like that, and I have a noise. The mechanic couldn't tell me what was wrong. he said it's internal engine issues. I tried to leave a short video on your Facebook page, but I don't think it posted. If you see it, please help! no one seems to know what is going on.
I just noticed my pulley completely snapped off! Thanks for the video, this is my first time working on this area of my bronco and you have helped me so much!
@Nikon89xj89 It's not likely to be the crank pulley but you might consider taking the belt off and spinning the components individually to see if you can find the one that's making the noise. Good luck.
@Warlord1264 I'm not clear on if you replaced the tensioner or not but if you have then perhaps there is some stuff in the grooves of one of the pulleys or something that is causing the belt to bounce around, old belts can also cause this so if you haven't replaced it yet it might be a good idea.
@dandim23 You need to verify that it actually does have high voltage either with a DVOM or a scan tool, if you find that it does then you might consider replacing it. However it could mean that there is a problem with the cat or some other fuel or exhaust system problem that's why it's important to check it out first.
Between you and Scotty Kilmer, I've saved a lot of $ fixing my own car, and learn ed a lot in the process. I have a questions for you. My belt started squeaking recently and I replaced it. All went well. The replaced belt did not have any cracks or major wear, but replaced it none the less. When I put the new belt on and fired up my car, Everything runs good, but I noticed the belt is slightly off the tensions pulley. The belt is on track everywhere else, but when it rolls overs the tensions pulley it's slightly off track. Does that make sense? I am going to tighten the bolt that holds that pulley in place. I did loosen it at first thinking it was the one to remove to put on a new belt. I'm pretty sure I tightened it back up, but I will check again. If it's not the loose bolt, what else can it be? Thank you for your videos.
Huh, how strange! The only thing I can think of that would make the gas pedal vibrate is a rough-running engine and an over-tightened throttle cable. Having never worked on a WRX before, I'm not even sure that it -has- a throttle cable, haha... Also note, I'm not ETCG. I'm just a random diagnostics tech and engine builder that loves ETCG's videos, and I love helping folks out when I can. :-)
@shoeb2015 I try to make videos that I think would be helpful if I was watching them, I'm glad that philosophy is actually working. Thanks for the comment.
@skoalchurch You could isolate it by removing the belts one at a time and seeing if the noise is still there but by the sound of it the AC belt might be the culprit, I might check the tension on that one and go from there.
@videomotion8 Depends on the engine, with some it's just the back of the crank pulley with others there is a small disc that needs to be installed to help guide it on it's path. It's usually at the crankshaft from what I've seen.
Eric - I watched your video and changed the idler, tensioner and belt on my 98 Dakota. It took like 30 minutes, tops. I bought OEM parts by Gates for $82 on RockAuto.com. Just for giggles, I called the dealer and was quoted $500 for parts and labor. Two hours labor to be exact. I questioned the adviser about two hours being too long and that I was told it should take no more than 30 minutes. He said, "Oh, our mechanics can do it in less time than that but the book says two hours, so that's what it will cost you." Wow! It seems the shops have gone from not telling how long it really takes, to being very upfront as to how little time some repairs take but the public will still be charged four or five times the actual time necessary.
Shops are ridiculous. Doing that job on my own cars takes me about two hours. However, I tend to mess around a lot. Clean this or that under the hood, smoke a cigarette or three, fight with the tape deck on my ghetto blaster, send a few texts, grab a bite to eat, get distracted by other junk... But yeah if I actually buckle down and concentrate on the task at hand - 30 minute job or less. Eric's videos are very good and helpful. I am sure he might advise against letting distractions get in the way. Getting distracted is MY specialty.
Yes, but it's a two-way system. If something happens unexpected during a repair (like a broken bolt), the customer doesn't get charged for that. Also, when it comes to the flat rate system, it's the only way to reward the good mechanics. If you have a mechanic that is very experienced and can do the job faster than most other mechanics, shouldn't he be rewarded for that?
I am all for being reasonable and paying someone for their time but their is a point where the charge can become too ridiculous for the actual effort expended to complete the task. And the argument for "well, I spent so and so on my tools" gets old after awhile. I have heard mechanics admit they may have paid too much for their tools from time to time. Anyway, consumers can always vote with their feet.
2cyclemix Well considering that most longtime mechanics have spent over $100,000 on tools... and that a car lift can cost $10,000, a tire balance machine $8,000, an alignment machine $30,000, a good scan tool $10,000 and on and on and on.... the argument that they spent so and so on tools doesn't really get old... it's just a fact. If you're tired of paying the high prices to get your car fixed, then you're more than welcome to go buy all your own tools and spend years learning the trade... then you can fix your car yourself.
Chris Earle You're exactly right. About five years ago I took my 98 Maxima (it was actually towed) to a "christian" garage because the car wouldn't start. Well, the starter was bad. Total cost $500.00 including towing. $275 for the starter and two hours labor plus $50 for towing. Well, three years later the starter went bad. I thought I'd give it a try at the repair since I felt raped by the garage for the last replacement. The starter was $113.00 before the core. I removed the old one (20 minute job not being used to its location) and took it with me to avoid the core fee. Got one that looked exactly like the one that was three years old. It was a rebuilt one. The one for $275.00 was new, they said at the garage. Installed the new one in ten minutes since I was now somewhat familiar with the installation. The longest part of the repair was driving to the store and back. It seems to me the determination of if the high repair costs are justified depends upon which end of the repair you're on. I'd say, if you're mechanically inclined, somewhat curious, got enough common tools and want to save some money, then DIY. Again, you're exactly right.
i fucked up a bit by applying belt dressing just once for a quick fix one morning just to stop a squealing sound. so i just gota ask do i have to clean my pulleys even though i only sprayed it on once?
When a pulley or serp belt starts chirping a little bit at startup (goes away after a bit), and there are no noticeable issues, does this normally require immediate attention i.e. is there imminent danger to driving? I won't be able to fix it for a few months. If there's a bit of oil on the belt, could it cause this small chirping sound?
Nice thorough video. It helped with changing drive belt on 97' mercury mystique. Runs better now with no squeel. only makes a little noise when the air conditioning is on, pulleys seemed ok, but I suspect the tensioner pulley to be acting just a little bit silly. I can go without ac, just put down the windows and sweat it out
Great informative and well done. I am a baseball coach and spend all my time fixing players. When the cars go bad and I cannot get to the field I cannot do my job. So i appreciate this segment on belts. Now I can go fix it and get back to the game. Frank Fulton GM VMarlins
I just learned a wholelotta info from your video. I've been having issues with my belt and as you expressed, probably more going on than just the belt. Your video was dead on. Again, I have so much thanks sent your way. Keep up the videos. This is coming from a girl too. LoL.
Eric , i recently changed my timing belt in my 2004 tiburon now i have a problem with the belt staying on the ac compressor , do you have any idea what it can be ?
@lineartechbd1600 Yes, I've done that very thing several times but be sure it's a problem with the external bearing and not with the compressor itself or you will be wasting your time and money.
Thank you Eric for the video my tensioner pulley just started clanking and clunking I narrowed the noise down to my tensioner pulley it looks like the spring in it is worn out
@dendorssers I will say that not all belts are created equal but also it could have been a tensioner or idler that was making the noise as they often act that way.
My moms 2000 dodge stratus belt completely came off and was shredded the day before her battery light came on and right when we got home her car died it that from the belt that was at the end of its life any insight will help
thanks, you are often very detailed in your explanations. thanks so much for the warnings, about how a belt pulley or tensioner might lead to symptoms like the alternator not charging properly.
eric thanks for taking the time to post these videos i started watching when i bought my first car with your help and no previous experience i have changed ball joints brakes belts pcv valves and do my own oil changes i am now enroling myself in an auto tech class thanks for the knowledge and saved money !
why would a new tensioner pulley slightly wobble. I put in a new one because the other one ripped out and it does not go back into place all the way and the car makes a sound when it's turned on and then off and I looked at it while it was in idle mode and it was slightly bouncing???? please help I try to fix my own cars because I cannot afford a mechanic. but I have done of few jobs such as water pump multiple hoses (car always over heats due to busted hoses) oils changes radiator flushes etc. so I have some common sense toward basic repairs.
Hey man I need your advice in my 2003 Tahoe. My ac belt tensioner is making a really bad noise. I've change the tensioner itself and the belt and still made the same noise, I finally changed the compressor itself and the problem did better itself but it's still doing it. I have a video of it on my channel if you can check it out be really great Thanks
Hey Eric, I've replaced my idle pulley, tensioner and pulley, and the belt. For the last year and a half, I've had to replaced belt about every 3-6 months because something would start squeaking. I've tried all brands of belts and the noise returns after some months. A new belt makes the noise stop temporarily. Anything thing else I should be looking at under the hood? Thanks.
DE Nichols it helps with understanding situations I've seen. Spark plugs were shot and a coil out of 2 was bad. And the front motor mount. A lot leading into that P0300. Lol
Hi ETCG, I definitely appreciate your time and information that you give through your videos. I ended up with hearing like a light pop, more like if you drove over a cardboard cylinder and right after my steering wheel became stiff. I'm thinking power steering fluid but I open the hood and noticed the belt loosen, basically off. Thanks to your informative videos I knew what was the problem. I just don't understand, there was no squeaking or trouble with anything else.
Omg this is exactly what happened to me yesterday after I'd hit a pothole, that I was trying to avoid lol! Battery light came on, steering became stiff. Car started to shut off after a short while after starting. I was about to go get an alternator. So glad I watched this video and read your comment..
@moni370 You might check the belt for wear and the tensioner for proper operation. I'm not a Saturn expert but I think they have both belts and chains depending on the make and model.
08:24 please try to wiggle the new idler, please try to wiggle the new idler. 10:57 crap, didn't try to wiggle the new idler. How much slop can there be? None? A little tiny bit? A little bit?
Erick this video really helped me today! Thank you! I do have a question about my engine...do you think I can post a quick link for my engine's video here for you to help me please with it? Every time I start my car it gets really loud, as if I was pressing the accelerator. Thank you!👍 You're the man!
Really great write up. I appreciate your thoroughness; I've worked on cars and trucks for years and still learned many things from this tutorial
Last video I’ll ever need to watch for any serpertine belt or pulley issues. Thank you Eric!
think you just diagnosed my problem in the first min in a half. I have noticed one of the pulleys near my alternator wobble a bit a times and i think thats why it isnt producing a good charge to my battery which may be why my car randomly shuts off at times. When idle lile at a stop light. This car shop adjusted my belts awhile back so hopefully when i take it back to them its a simple adjustment fix. Awesome advice!!
Thanks eric you have literally walked me through several problems ive had. Keep on keepin on brotha especially on the great work.
Thanks, Eric I think I solved lots of problems watched many of your shows.
This guy got me into auto repair! I've so much to be grateful for. His repair videos are flawless - honest, solid advice from a seasoned professional. Huge respect to ETCG!
Labrador McGra w
Auto repair seems really boring and very very hard
@aeligos It could be loose but it could also be a bearing somewhere, if you feel you have it as tight as you should make it you might want to check the rotating components for a bearing issue.
Eric. Thank you for everything. Your service is phenomenal.
Eric, I understand this is an older video but I have also been watching your newer videos, and your cameo appearances on TRQ. Welcome back! It would be great watching you perform car reviews for new Honda much like the car care nut channel. Would also love to get an idea of what’s happening in your world and if you’ve given up on RUclips. You have a lot of great content and thank you for all the information over the years. The community needs a tech experts opinion on Hondas to give them advice for new vehicles.
203 mechanics hate that he's giving out some basic knowledge to people wanting to diagnose their car problems
💯!!
This dude Is awesome definitely a christian💯
Why would that be the case ? As a mechanic myself I would be gratefull if everyone fixed their own garbage
Thank you for the insight, I understand he is busy I will wait, This is my first time asking for help and on RUclips thank you for letting me know, Susan
Dude awesome information, very helpful. I do as much of my own work as I can and I just bought an Isuzu rodeo with an idle tic now I think I may be able to figure out what it is and why that check engine light is on without taking it to a shop, fingers crossed.
About these mobile mechanics; they probably willn't check that idler pulley you just mentioned and if that causes an issue with the alternator you will continue to have to replace that alternator for ever.
So my tensioner shakes when the car is idling. I guess I need to replace it right? By the way I had to watch around 10 videos until I found yours to get the info that I needed. Thank you very much! 👍
just wanted to say that i like your videos, you know your shit and im learning allot from you, expanding my knowledge of cars and engines in general. i work on my own cars and own small engines. the same principals that apply to car engines also apply to kohler k series for example
thanks to this video i found out that i needed a new idler pulley on my 2000 chevy blazer, thanks eric
This provided a ton of info I'm grateful for. Wish you would've shown how to replace that top idle pulley because mines getting STUCK... and I wanted to know more about the rest of the Spinny wheel thingies. Like is everyone attached to the belt supposed to spin freely or is the very big bottom one the "crank shaft?" Does that one only spin by the engine and makes the others spin?...
God bless you Eric. These videos help countless people!
Amen to that Andrew 👌
At least 1.1 million lol
Excellent videos as always. Thx.
This really helped me out in a difficult desicion! (It squeals only when the wheels are at max angle) so I thought I’d wait a while!
After seeing this I won’t wait! ;=)
Thanks a Lot Eric! Splendid video!
hey love to see you do a video on pblms with 3rd gen caravans
with belt slipping off..and why a few caravans dnt have this pbm.
gates solution of course fixes the pblm.
@Bbyslim87 You can remove the belt and start the engine to listen for the noise, if it's still there then it could have something to do with the timing belt area, if not you can rotate the pulleys by hand to see if you can hear or 'feel' the noise otherwise you may need to use the methods I show in my Finding A Noise video. Good luck.
This guy's fucking awesome ~
@trekzilladmc I normally leave those alone but if it gets worse replace the tensioner, the point of the video is more to consider the belt and tensioner if you have a problem with one of the accessories like an alternator or power steering pump problem.
Really wish you worked in my town- you seem honest and knowledgeable. Thanks for the video. Hope it helps my shade tree guy.
@TheDvayers Thank you very much for that comment as that is EXACTLY what I try to do when I make the videos, it's nice to know I'm doing my job well. Thanks again.
@BriggsMower Hard to say, if you know the belt is new and isn't glazed and that all the pulleys are good then perhaps there is an accessory that's having an issue like a power steering pump or AC compressor, it's worth checking out anyway. Good luck.
Sometimes maybe the belt is put on too tight. .
@jdubb408 I think you'll like next weeks better.
@RradioActiV83 Any of the name brands are good, I really haven't found a brand that was a problem up to this point. The important thing to take away from this is to also check the tensioner and pulleys, if the tensioner isn't good then a new belt won't be of much help.
dude I just love how thorough you explain things with many major important detail that no one would ever point out
Eric The Car Guy is awsome!!! He explains things that a stright-up dumb-ass can understand!! Thanks Eric!! Keep up the videos. they are very helpful. Even to mechanics who can't figure something out
@branco445 Sometimes the covers don't get installed correctly and can come into contact with the moving parts causing a problem like that. Good luck.
@PVoyager Personally I would go with OE or a quality aftermarket part. Try to stay away from parts that come in unmarked white boxes is probably the best advice I can give.
@aeligos Perhaps the tensioner is faulty then for not maintaining the correct tension on the belt.
Great video, thanks Eric.
wow. i have a check engine light on and the code is for misfire in bank 1. i also have a squeaking belt....eric, u r THE man
🙋🏻♂️ same and now im fix it thanks to Eric
My pulley looks just like that, and I have a noise. The mechanic couldn't tell me what was wrong. he said it's internal engine issues. I tried to leave a short video on your Facebook page, but I don't think it posted. If you see it, please help! no one seems to know what is going on.
I just noticed my pulley completely snapped off! Thanks for the video, this is my first time working on this area of my bronco and you have helped me so much!
@Nikon89xj89 It's not likely to be the crank pulley but you might consider taking the belt off and spinning the components individually to see if you can find the one that's making the noise. Good luck.
@Warlord1264 I'm not clear on if you replaced the tensioner or not but if you have then perhaps there is some stuff in the grooves of one of the pulleys or something that is causing the belt to bounce around, old belts can also cause this so if you haven't replaced it yet it might be a good idea.
Your a GodSend, got me off the highway with my newborn.
@MileyCyrus192 The idea of the video is to get people to check the drive system in just that type of event. Nice work solving your issue.
good lesson, thanks for the knowledge
@MileyCyrus192 It's nice when it's easy to find an issue like that, thanks for the comment.
@aeligos Anytime metal parts rub together it can cause a squeal, it's worth looking into.
@dandim23 You need to verify that it actually does have high voltage either with a DVOM or a scan tool, if you find that it does then you might consider replacing it. However it could mean that there is a problem with the cat or some other fuel or exhaust system problem that's why it's important to check it out first.
Between you and Scotty Kilmer, I've saved a lot of $ fixing my own car, and learn ed a lot in the process. I have a questions for you. My belt started squeaking recently and I replaced it. All went well. The replaced belt did not have any cracks or major wear, but replaced it none the less. When I put the new belt on and fired up my car, Everything runs good, but I noticed the belt is slightly off the tensions pulley. The belt is on track everywhere else, but when it rolls overs the tensions pulley it's slightly off track. Does that make sense? I am going to tighten the bolt that holds that pulley in place. I did loosen it at first thinking it was the one to remove to put on a new belt. I'm pretty sure I tightened it back up, but I will check again. If it's not the loose bolt, what else can it be? Thank you for your videos.
Huh, how strange! The only thing I can think of that would make the gas pedal vibrate is a rough-running engine and an over-tightened throttle cable. Having never worked on a WRX before, I'm not even sure that it -has- a throttle cable, haha...
Also note, I'm not ETCG. I'm just a random diagnostics tech and engine builder that loves ETCG's videos, and I love helping folks out when I can. :-)
Dude you are alright in my book. Party on with all the fixes
@shoeb2015 I try to make videos that I think would be helpful if I was watching them, I'm glad that philosophy is actually working. Thanks for the comment.
@XHikotheproX Welcome aboard and thanks very much for your comment I really appreciate it from one 'car guy' to another.
@1ownjoo2 After a while the rubber wears out and will not be as effective, glad it worked out for you though thanks for the comment.
@LordGiggleface Thank YOU for taking the time to post this comment I really appreciate it.
@skoalchurch You could isolate it by removing the belts one at a time and seeing if the noise is still there but by the sound of it the AC belt might be the culprit, I might check the tension on that one and go from there.
If I pull one I'll pull 'em all.. 1 time.. like Jesus being crucified.. once for all. Peace.
@ericallandale Naw, that's just my haters saying 'hi'. It wouldn't be the same without them.
@videomotion8 Depends on the engine, with some it's just the back of the crank pulley with others there is a small disc that needs to be installed to help guide it on it's path. It's usually at the crankshaft from what I've seen.
Would a slipping belt cause a overheating issue? With a North Star motor
@cesear123456 On this one all you need is a 3/8" ratchet. See the replacing a serpentine belt video for details.
Eric - I watched your video and changed the idler, tensioner and belt on my 98 Dakota. It took like 30 minutes, tops. I bought OEM parts by Gates for $82 on RockAuto.com. Just for giggles, I called the dealer and was quoted $500 for parts and labor. Two hours labor to be exact. I questioned the adviser about two hours being too long and that I was told it should take no more than 30 minutes. He said, "Oh, our mechanics can do it in less time than that but the book says two hours, so that's what it will cost you." Wow! It seems the shops have gone from not telling how long it really takes, to being very upfront as to how little time some repairs take but the public will still be charged four or five times the actual time necessary.
Shops are ridiculous. Doing that job on my own cars takes me about two hours. However, I tend to mess around a lot. Clean this or that under the hood, smoke a cigarette or three, fight with the tape deck on my ghetto blaster, send a few texts, grab a bite to eat, get distracted by other junk...
But yeah if I actually buckle down and concentrate on the task at hand - 30 minute job or less.
Eric's videos are very good and helpful. I am sure he might advise against letting distractions get in the way. Getting distracted is MY specialty.
Yes, but it's a two-way system. If something happens unexpected during a repair (like a broken bolt), the customer doesn't get charged for that. Also, when it comes to the flat rate system, it's the only way to reward the good mechanics. If you have a mechanic that is very experienced and can do the job faster than most other mechanics, shouldn't he be rewarded for that?
I am all for being reasonable and paying someone for their time but their is a point where the charge can become too ridiculous for the actual effort expended to complete the task. And the argument for "well, I spent so and so on my tools" gets old after awhile. I have heard mechanics admit they may have paid too much for their tools from time to time. Anyway, consumers can always vote with their feet.
2cyclemix Well considering that most longtime mechanics have spent over $100,000 on tools... and that a car lift can cost $10,000, a tire balance machine $8,000, an alignment machine $30,000, a good scan tool $10,000 and on and on and on.... the argument that they spent so and so on tools doesn't really get old... it's just a fact. If you're tired of paying the high prices to get your car fixed, then you're more than welcome to go buy all your own tools and spend years learning the trade... then you can fix your car yourself.
Chris Earle You're exactly right. About five years ago I took my 98 Maxima (it was actually towed) to a "christian" garage because the car wouldn't start. Well, the starter was bad. Total cost $500.00 including towing. $275 for the starter and two hours labor plus $50 for towing. Well, three years later the starter went bad. I thought I'd give it a try at the repair since I felt raped by the garage for the last replacement. The starter was $113.00 before the core. I removed the old one (20 minute job not being used to its location) and took it with me to avoid the core fee. Got one that looked exactly like the one that was three years old. It was a rebuilt one. The one for $275.00 was new, they said at the garage. Installed the new one in ten minutes since I was now somewhat familiar with the installation. The longest part of the repair was driving to the store and back. It seems to me the determination of if the high repair costs are justified depends upon which end of the repair you're on. I'd say, if you're mechanically inclined, somewhat curious, got enough common tools and want to save some money, then DIY. Again, you're exactly right.
i fucked up a bit by applying belt dressing just once for a quick fix one morning just to stop a squealing sound. so i just gota ask do i have to clean my pulleys even though i only sprayed it on once?
When a pulley or serp belt starts chirping a little bit at startup (goes away after a bit), and there are no noticeable issues, does this normally require immediate attention i.e. is there imminent danger to driving? I won't be able to fix it for a few months. If there's a bit of oil on the belt, could it cause this small chirping sound?
Nice thorough video. It helped with changing drive belt on 97' mercury mystique. Runs better now with no squeel. only makes a little noise when the air conditioning is on, pulleys seemed ok, but I suspect the tensioner pulley to be acting just a little bit silly. I can go without ac, just put down the windows and sweat it out
@bikeordie666 It is possible but the only way to know is to get in there and have a look.
Great informative and well done. I am a baseball coach and spend all my time fixing players. When the cars go bad and I cannot get to the field I cannot do my job. So i appreciate this segment on belts. Now I can go fix it and get back to the game.
Frank Fulton GM VMarlins
My car squeaks now when I accelerate hard what is this? Belt?
Excellent, thanks man. And I will be sure to check pulleys with the engine on as you stated, thanks.
I just learned a wholelotta info from your video. I've been having issues with my belt and as you expressed, probably more going on than just the belt. Your video was dead on. Again, I have so much thanks sent your way. Keep up the videos. This is coming from a girl too. LoL.
my belt is super old and never change it and it still run strong i just hope i didnt jinxs myself
Eric , i recently changed my timing belt in my 2004 tiburon now i have a problem with the belt staying on the ac compressor , do you have any idea what it can be ?
Is every single pulley supposed to spin when the car is idling?
@ad356 It's always nice to meet someone that doesn't mind getting dirty, thanks for watching and for the comment.
@lineartechbd1600 Yes, I've done that very thing several times but be sure it's a problem with the external bearing and not with the compressor itself or you will be wasting your time and money.
@DaEnvm Not at all, that's only if you are installing a timing belt that you need to be concerned with that.
Thank you Eric for the video my tensioner pulley just started clanking and clunking I narrowed the noise down to my tensioner pulley it looks like the spring in it is worn out
Great job done Eric, Thanks for all that easily understanding knowledge given!!!
Informed by EricTheCarGuy. Thanks for the helpful tips. Now subscribed to your channel.
@sbab83 A cheep easy fix that could save you from getting stranded. Good luck.
@dendorssers I will say that not all belts are created equal but also it could have been a tensioner or idler that was making the noise as they often act that way.
My moms 2000 dodge stratus belt completely came off and was shredded the day before her battery light came on and right when we got home her car died it that from the belt that was at the end of its life any insight will help
@Vanuatoo If it were me I would check the pulleys and change the belts.
thanks, you are often very detailed in your explanations. thanks so much for the warnings, about how a belt pulley or tensioner might lead to symptoms like the alternator not charging properly.
eric thanks for taking the time to post these videos i started watching when i bought my first car with your help and no previous experience i have changed ball joints brakes belts pcv valves and do my own oil changes i am now enroling myself in an auto tech class thanks for the knowledge and saved money !
why would a new tensioner pulley slightly wobble. I put in a new one because the other one ripped out and it does not go back into place all the way and the car makes a sound when it's turned on and then off and I looked at it while it was in idle mode and it was slightly bouncing???? please help I try to fix my own cars because I cannot afford a mechanic. but I have done of few jobs such as water pump multiple hoses (car always over heats due to busted hoses) oils changes radiator flushes etc. so I have some common sense toward basic repairs.
@Mendelivium2 Given the opportunity I would be happy to make that video for you.
Hey man I need your advice in my 2003 Tahoe. My ac belt tensioner is making a really bad noise. I've change the tensioner itself and the belt and still made the same noise, I finally changed the compressor itself and the problem did better itself but it's still doing it. I have a video of it on my channel if you can check it out be really great
Thanks
@vinceperez158 I might think about changing it before there is a problem.
@lineartechbd1600 Yea, you could just run the belt that is meant for the engine without AC I would think.
Hey Eric, I've replaced my idle pulley, tensioner and pulley, and the belt. For the last year and a half, I've had to replaced belt about every 3-6 months because something would start squeaking. I've tried all brands of belts and the noise returns after some months. A new belt makes the noise stop temporarily. Anything thing else I should be looking at under the hood? Thanks.
@torifan1976 I don't know, I'm asleep.
Do you think it is OK to oil a tensioner's spring (mine was a little noise although it is new).
Thank you Eric for the info on the misfire code...
No kidding. I didn't expect that.
DE Nichols it helps with understanding situations I've seen. Spark plugs were shot and a coil out of 2 was bad. And the front motor mount. A lot leading into that P0300. Lol
Hi ETCG, I definitely appreciate your time and information that you give through your videos. I ended up with hearing like a light pop, more like if you drove over a cardboard cylinder and right after my steering wheel became stiff. I'm thinking power steering fluid but I open the hood and noticed the belt loosen, basically off. Thanks to your informative videos I knew what was the problem. I just don't understand, there was no squeaking or trouble with anything else.
Omg this is exactly what happened to me yesterday after I'd hit a pothole, that I was trying to avoid lol! Battery light came on, steering became stiff. Car started to shut off after a short while after starting. I was about to go get an alternator. So glad I watched this video and read your comment..
@moni370 You might check the belt for wear and the tensioner for proper operation. I'm not a Saturn expert but I think they have both belts and chains depending on the make and model.
@DursosZeroPred Perhaps but the lighting in my shop kind of sucks too.
Great delivery Eric. Like how you lay things out.
08:24 please try to wiggle the new idler, please try to wiggle the new idler.
10:57 crap, didn't try to wiggle the new idler.
How much slop can there be? None? A little tiny bit? A little bit?
@moni370 If thy air filter offends the.... take it out.
geezer best man in usa
Great video... Prefect explanation...👍🏿👋🏿👍🏿👍🏿....
@aseglkj Glad you liked it, thanks for your comment.
@Thegarmendia I've noticed that too, thanks for the comment.
Erick this video really helped me today! Thank you!
I do have a question about my engine...do you think I can post a quick link for my engine's video here for you to help me please with it?
Every time I start my car it gets really loud, as if I was pressing the accelerator.
Thank you!👍 You're the man!