lp2k

Hello, when you replace the serpentine belt on a c5, it is only one belt that needs to be replaced or are there 2 belts on the car?

I checked the ribs on mine and they are getting worn down. I would like to get this installed when I take my car for a oil change, since I do not have a lift or many tools.

I was looking at the goodyear gatorback series from advance auto parts.

Part No.
4040420
Goodyear Gatorback Serpentine Belt
Serpentine Belt: Poly-V; With Air Conditioning

Part No.
4060798
Goodyear Gatorback Serpentine Belt
Serpentine Belt: Poly-V; Alternator; Power Steering


How much would this cost the dealer to install??

all feedback is greatly appreciated!

k0ts

There are two belts.. Replace them both.... I would guess they'll want about an hours labor to install them plus the cost of the belts..

hotwheels57

I bought the GATORBACK belts from AUTO ZONE. I'd agree that you might as well replace them both at the same time. You could keep one or both as road trip replacements, just in case.
They're not hard to do yourself with minimal tools. The labor cost at the dealership might be more than the cost of the belts.
Just follow the schematic to R&R them around the accessories.

DAV162

Had my belts changed this summer by dealer labor was 100.00.

The Wrench

Holy Cow! $100??? But, I guess that's 1 hour minimum labor charge.
Both belts have spring loaded tensioners, so it's really, really, really simple to change them. No lift or jacking, just bend over and wiggle around in there a bit. Only tool is a socket (15mm maybe?) and a handle to pulll the tensioner over and pop the belts on and off. You might want to loosen and raise the intake bellows for more room, thats one screw clamp to loosen.
I bet some of the younger contortionist guys on here can do both belts in 10 minutes while downing a beer!

The Gatorback belts are pretty cool, I've had them for 5 years, look new run quiet.

DG

LoneStarFRC

I'm fresh out of Windex and since my crystal ball is dirty, I can't tell how much a dealer near you will charge.

NeoZ06

shouldn't be more than 1 hour labor charge...

i replaced both of my belts and tensioners with the car on the floor, from the top, the A/C tensioner and belt are a pain to get to, but is doable...

VinnyT

Too bad I'm not in Florida, I do it for free for ya.

I've done it myself. Not too hard. Yes, do both belts with Gatorbacks.

Labor could be from $100-$200.

V

NC99

I ran my car up on ramps to get easy access to the AC tensioner. The AC idler pulley, main belt tensioner and idler pulley are very easy to get to. The main idler pulley is easier to get at from underneath, but is doable from the top.

If you have the dealer do it, they will use their belts. The main serpentine belt they quoted me was $179!!!!!! That was not including labor, or the AC belt. I just figured I would buy the belt from the dealer and install myself. I went to Autozone and got Goodyear Gatorbacks. Main belt was $27 and the AC belt was $17.

lp2k

I will attempt to rent the part from them and do it myself, cant hurt to try first*

Guys, thank you all for your help, Vinny if i was in VA i woulda stopped by with a 6 pack , thanks again!

C5 Pete

Man there has got to be someone in your area that can give you a hand. Have you checked the South East section of the forum?

Do you have any friends that are even a little bit mechanical? It is really an easy job.

az57chevy

Autozone will lend you the serpentine belt tool. They "sell" it to you and tehn accept it back for a return credit

NC99

You'll need a 15 mm wrench or socket to move the belt tensioner(s) and if you want to remove any tensioners or idler pulleys to replace them, you'll need a 13 mm. If you rent/buy a 15 mm wrench to release the tension to get the belt(s) off, get one that's at least 10" long because you'll need the leverage to make it easier.

Check both tensioners. If you can move them easily with your hand, it's time to replace. They should be very tight. With the drive belt tensioner, you're going to push it towards the drivers side, the AC tensioner you push down towards the ground. Good luck, not hard at all.

VinnyT

Good post by NC99.

Get yourself a 15mm racheting wrench with the flexible head. This is what I used for the tensioner. Worked perfectly. Also comes in handy when taking off the oil drain plug. Looks like this:

lp2k

guys this is great, im going to attempt this on my day off or before xmas eve

Bell

I replaced mine last year and it was much simpler than I thought it would be. Although, while I was in the middle of it, I thought it was a major PITA, now that I've installed my supercharger, I can only wish the belt swap would be that easy again. Putting the belt on with the supercharger is FAR FAR more challenging. Count you blessings.

Twisted99

Dealer wanted $279 parts & labor to do mine. Needless to say, I'm going to do it myself.

FLORIDA

I will install both belts for free. I live in Cocoa Beach, FL and work in Orlando, FL at the airport. I will be in Orlando tomorrow Dec 26 so call me 321-987-7741 Steve. It would not be right to allow you to go to the stealership.

2MFFZo6

Do it yourself.................they will have both on if 5 minutes and charge you 100 bucks ..........its fricken rediculas.

Or maybe someone from your area on this board will chime in and come over to show you.......its all of a 10 minute job.

Bill Dearborn

Your local mechanic may be able to do this easily. The process is practically the same for the LS series engines in the trucks and SUVs. He probably has changed plenty of them for a lot less money. Just make sure he knows how to get the car on a lift and where to lift. Let him use your lift pucks when he puts the car on the lift.

Bill