Can I do this myself?

6.slow · December 15, 2005

Well, I ain't got annoying yet, just wait.

Here's another problem I got....

My truck had a belt slipping for half a sec every 30 sec. Today I could smell melting rubber--Not from tires!!! I called my buddy, the real-live mechanic, and he tells me the tensioner on the belt that runs the A/C is shot.

Now before you ask "why don't you ask him?", he's like any GM-Tech , and he's busy as hell with dumba$$ questions of cheap a-holes looking for a free fix... I know, I'm one of them!

I didn't get to ask but can a guy do this (in a driveway) by himself? Has anyone else had this? I got no warrenty, and shallow pockets with holes in them.

What is this gonna cost me? Can I still drive to work without my A/C? About 10-12" of snow and 30*, little chance of running the A/C. Even though the defroster automatically kicks on the A/C, (I don't use heat or anything on the drive to work.) Any help would be good. Again, thanks much for the patience!!!!

GM-Tech · December 15, 2005

You should be able to handle that one yourself, though I'm sorry to say you'll have to set down your beer to do it.

The belt's always runnin' around the compressor, even if you're not using the a/c. It won't have as much stress on it without the load of turning the compressor, but if the tensioner goes, so does the belt.

You could leave the belt off if you have no plans to use the a/c until next summer. That would tell you if it's the source of the problem, that's for sure.

Wingnut · December 15, 2005

I did mine in about 30 minutes...Beer was only 2 feet away on the floor, ready for action.

Not sure about yours, but I seem to recall having to remove the main (serpentine) belt first in order to get at the A/C belt. I also had to remove my skidplate.

Tough stuff.

GM-Tech · December 15, 2005

Yeah, the main belt has to come off first, but that's no big deal.

6.slow · December 16, 2005

Thanks GM-Tech and Wingnut. That helps, now I just need some technical skills. Girls only like guys with skills... I'll see what I can do and let you know the extend of my injuries, and cost of fixing my fixings!

6.slow · December 31, 2005

Well, turns out I'm just too d**n nervous about this here truck. Ain't nothing wrong with it, just a bunch of mud and crud up and under the hood. Seriously, GM needs to better "splash guard" the engine bays! Geez, some mud tires and 30mph through a muddy jobsite with 1 1/2 feet deep puddles and stuff starts getting dirty, what the hell?

Anyways, thanks for the input, but I took it to my mechanic friend and he checked it out and sent me on my way with a good bill of health. Guess I'm just eager to spend money...