just curious what everyone else's experience is with this particular maint issue before i move forward with it...

issue: drive belt replacement

age: 5.5 years old

mileage: 60k

info: failed inspection b/c need new drive belt (among other things). this comes from a (somewhat trustworthy) mazda dealer. so not sure if they just saw 60k and tried to upsell me or if i really need it (this noob doesn't know where it is to inspect it myself!!)

price: $160 through dealer

how does this sound? i guess it's worth doing, b/c if it snaps i'll be stranded. just didn't want to spend $160 on this right now...thanks!!

 

read your owners manual.

does it mention a drive belt? all the info is included..

i doubt you hit the 6 year mark.. at 60 k i dont recall replacing a belt..

prove me wrong..

beers

 

edited, sorry. 5.5 years old, not 6.

i did check the om. it just says to inspect it, every xx number of miles (i don't remember the interval). doesn't seem to be a definitive time to replace, that's why i was wondering if MY timeframe is plausible/common/etc.

 

On the plus side, as far as I know, if it does snap the worst thing that can happen is that you'd lose the alternator and have to run on battery until it runs out.

When you say you failed inspection, do you mean a state inspection required for insurance / license plate?

 

interesting.

yes, just my annual inspection. not a big deal; they wouldn't pass me b/c my tires are shot, which i knew but was hoping they'd squeak by, and my tails are tinted (by-the-book dealer wouldn't let that slide, even though it's a very light tint!!). and they said my drive belt needed to be replaced with is technically a 'safety hazard' b/c if it snaps while driving, it could be a danger to others.

bottom line, if it needs to be replaced, i'm ok with that. i'm more curious how long others' have lasted, what the cost was to replace, and where the hell this thing is so i can give it a quick inspection myself!! thanks

 

Location of that drive belt is in the front of the motor, where you see there are several pulley's it connects.

 

Sounds like the dealership is hitting you up for money.

Perhaps a visit to an inspection station that has no ulterior motives for failing your car (like selling you drive belts, tires and tail lights)


You can look at the belt yourself and see if it looks worn.

 

^ good idea! i was getting my oil changed and just asked them to do inspection to, but i should have known they'd upsell me! i already have non oem tires, so i told the guy he was crazy for trying to sell me their tires!!

i'll do that and see if i get a different result.