Serpentine belt
 

I am doing my 90k service and though I might replace the belt. Is this pretty staighforward for a DIY? I haven't replace a belt before but it didn't look that bad.
Anything I should know before going in?

Not a hard job, after you do a couple it takes 20 to 30 minutes.

http://www.realtime.net/~rentner/Blog/B600322026/C1691662107/E397927809/index.html

I agree, it might take 20-30 minutes, but at least half of that time is spent removing and replacing the firewall hatch. I think the actual time to swap the belt itself for me was 5 min or less. Super easy, but be sure you have the correct wrench (or socket) - 24mm IIRC for the tensioner pulley.

And, be sure that you have the belt w/AC. No Boxster are sold in the US w/o AC, but surprisingly, they will sell you a belt for a non-AC car which is shorter and won't fit.

:cheers:

I count the time to drive the car into the shop, gain access to the belt, check the rollers, water pump, tensioner and then replace the belt, put away my tools, and park the car outside.

It's all good, I was not trying to impune you at all :cheers:

Available locally?
 

Normally I order my parts over the internet - but would love to get this done this weekend - is the belt typically available at Napa/Autozone/etc.?

This is one part I'd get at the dealer. The parts warehouses all use computers that show cross-references (multi-applications) for many parts, but often are not.

A few mm smaller, and you can have excess wear on the bearings in the compressor, alternator, waterpump and idler/tensioner pulleys. That could make this a false economy. The dealers all have them in stock - $30 from my dealer (w/PCA discount).

Most belts are generic including Boxster belts. Assuming you are okay with Napa or Goodyear, etc brands, the main issue is getting the correct number of ribs and the length correct. Finding it at your local autoparts shop should not be a problem. Here's an old thread on this topic. http://986forum.com/forums/performance-technical-chat/15962-goodyear-gatorback-belts.html?highlight=belt

I got a Goodyear Gatorback from AutoZone for about $24. Watch what they sell you because they do carry the AC and nonAC version-length. I stayed away from the Duralast belt.

a 24mm box wrench or socket may be tough to find so know you can use 15/16 as well ;)

Urban_Legend, read this old thread of a problem that I had with a Dealer Belt.

http://986forum.com/forums/boxster-general-discussions/18546-dealer-serpentine-belt-too-tight.html

I installed a belt from NAPA, (Micro-V $39.95)

Goodyear Gatorback
 

Went with the Gatorback - local auto parts store so closeby if I needed to go back to replace it.

I thinkl I had a technique not yet discussed here. Right boot on the wrench so I could use both hands on the belt.

BTW - the Porsche belt I took out didn't look that bad - but it had what looked like a clean cut across the tread down to the belt. But just one. It was o clean it looked like it had been cut or was supposed to be that way.

You can't judge the belt visually. It has internal cords which could be damaged and unseen. Best to replace it on schedule to keep from being stranded somewhere.

:cheers: