Took a ride tonight and started to hear banging noises. Scared me until I realized its the belt part of it is peeling on one edge.

How hard are they to change? Im not real mechanically inclined Im more electronic oriented.

If I do pay someone to do it what should I expect to pay? Labor wise. I think a backyard mechanic should be able to do it if I decide I dont have the patience,or inclination.

Just read there are 3 rib 5 rib 6 rib belts what do I need?

 

If you can tie your shoes, you can put on the belt. There is a pulley just below the A/C motor, (and towards center of motor) with a spot for a 3/8 ratchet/extension. Put a ratchet on an extension, and put it in the hole, and give it a bit of a turn counter clockwise, and the belt will release, and you just pull it off. Make sure you still have the factory belt routing sticker under your hood, or take a pic before you take it off, so you know how it goes back on.

The belt, I believe is a 5 rib, (not sure if they are counting the inner or outer ribs) but if you order the one for your car that will be right. I prefer the gatorbacks myself, cause they are quieter. But your main concern obviously is length. The belt is an 88inch unit, so most of your part #'s will end in something like 883, 884, 882. This means, for example; 88.3 inches.

This is the belt I usually get for mine. Observe the part #.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GOODYEAR-4060882-Serpentine-Belt-Fan-Belt-Serpentine-Belt-/370907836606?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A1984%7CMake%3AChevrolet%7CModel%3ACorvette&hash=item565bd470be&vxp=mtr
As far as cost, labor for most shops is "RAPE". About $60 for labor, and then they will rape you for the part too. Probably another $60. Yes a backyard guy can do it, but really there isnt any reason you cant. Just make sure the belt is fully seated on all the pulleys, (before starting) and you're good to go! Peace. h

 

Sounds easy ill try it myself thank you. Somewhere I had read about a temperature sensor that you have to disconnect first. But it sounds different than you say it was probably for a later c4.
So just the 3/8 ratchet and extension no socket?

 

If you have the time you can get a new gator Goodyear belt 4060882 on flea bay for $16 with free shipping, probably half of what a shop will charge you. Buy two so you can carry a spare.

 

Carry a spare serpentine belt? If you install the new one correctly, by the time you will need the spare belt it will be just as old and rotten as the first belt!

By the way, you'll need a 1/2" drive breaker bar to twist that serpentine belt tensioner pulley (no socket).

 

I dont have a 1/2 breaker bar would a good strong 1/2 ratchet with a pipe work?

 

Yes a ratchet will work, there isnt that much tension on it. If you have a pipe too, it'll be really easy. h