hiredgoon

Well either my alternator or my power steering belt has started randomly squeeling, so I'm going to have both changed. Doesn't it figure that this happens AFTER my 30-day guarantee
So I'm just curious how hard are these to change so I can expect how much it'll cost!

Thanks.
Rob

'92 DX
Zoom-Zoom Boom-Boom!

gi_jason82

You said they're squeeling? Are they actually worn? I had mine replaced in February for $20, but I knew the guy who did it. My alternator belt was squeeling last month, so I just tightened it up right away and it hasn't squeeled since.

hiredgoon

Yeah they look like they're getting worn out. Wouldn't surprise me if they're original.
How long did it take to replace?

gi_jason82

Like, 20 minutes. All you have to do is loosen two bolts on the alternator, and that belt is free, then there's this other bolt on the pwer steering pump, and that is free. I don't know if there are more to do, but it is all pretty easy. I could have done it myself, but I had no metric tools at the time. Mazdas are pretty easy cars to work on, at least that's what the techs at the local Mazda dealer say.

hiredgoon

Well that's good cause it does look kinda tight in there...I would change the timing belt as well but I have a 7 mo./7000km powertrain warranty

Zoom-Zoom Boom-Boom!!

gi_jason82

Ooh. The timing belt is a beotch though! My buddy Luca said he'd do it for $90, which means it costs a regular customer $180+ the cost of the part. I'd check it often if you don't know when it was changed last, just pull off the cover and see if it's cracked, frayed, or missing any teeth or, worse case, chunks. It's good insurance, considering that if that puppy snaps, your pistons will crash into the valves and you won't have a ride. But hey, it'll give you a good excuse to get a J-spec Turbo or KL-ZE swap!