Changing Drive Belt

[Mike96SE]

My dad knows a mechanic, and he wants $180 to do it. Forty for the belt and 140 for three hours labor. I think its ridiculous.
Has anyone here ever changed the belt. I know you have to take the motor mount off and all to get to it.

I printed out the sheet from the GM Manual for a 1996 Pontiac Grand AM and it seems simple enough.

I'm going to try and do it with my friend's help this weekend. He has a floorjack and garage which should come in handy. (Plus experience that I don't have).

Any tips before I go at it would be appreciated.

Oh, and where would be the cheapest place to get the belt. Autozone, from a dealer, etc...? Thanks.

[Gimli]

I heard that GoodYear garages stock the GatorBack belts, might be a good place to get one.

Af far as tips go make sure when you jack the engine up to use a large piece of wood to spread the weight over as much of the oil pan as you can (especially to the sides). If you jack up from the middle of the pan it might very well punch right through it.

[Mike96SE]

Thanks for the pointer. I think I'll be trying it this Saturday. The belt isnt in bad shape really, but it is frayed a little, I just happened to be parked right to see it when I was changing my oil.

I figure it would be a lot cheaper to replace it now than when it breaks on the highway. The car only has like 46k miles on it, which I think is pretty good for a 96. I got it about 8 months ago, and have probably put 6000 on total.

[nokiatech]

Go find yourself a gatorback. Should be less than 20. The install is cake. Especially if you have another pair of hands. It sounds like you have found directions. Keep the money in your pocket.

[Mike96SE]

Thanks for the advice...we just need the specialized wrench, but luckily my dad knows a dealer who's going to lend us one (hopefully)...

[KevinT]

Well, I just did this job on my 2000 GA 3.4L and everything went perfectly. Took me about 30 mins. I'm glad I didn't pay $100 to have the dealer do it. I just jacked the car up, put a jackstand under it (I'm lowered so I can't get the jack under the air dam). Then I put the jack under the oil pan with a piece of 2x6 on top and just gently raised up the jack to remove the weight on the engine mount. Remove the four bolts on the left side engine mount only. All you need to release the pressure on the tensioner is a 3/8" socket wrench with no socket on it. It's just a square hole. I added a piece of 1/2" PVC pipe to my wrench to give me some length and leverage. Turn it counter-clockwise and it loosens up. Many thanks to Mike96SE for the extra info.