Dealer Serpentine Belt too tight!! - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

986Porsche986 · 10-21-2008, 12:11 PM

Bought a new serpentine belt for my car a few months back, finally got around to putting it on the car. Would NOT go on for anything! I used a 24" breaker bar to release all of the tension, was following the Bently routing method, even tried the pully next to the alternator. Nothing!! Pulled it out and measured it and compared to the old belt. The old belt was an inch and a quarter longer than the new belt. Went online to make sure it was the right part number, and it was. So I tried it again, this time with two sets of hands, still nothing. Even if I was able to get it on, I would be worried about wearing out the bearings on the other components because of the excessive tightness that I was anticipating it having. So I finally gave up and went and purchased a belt from NAPA, (Micro-V $39.95) brought it back home, and it slipped on perfectly. Not sure if there could have been a mislable at the belt manufacture but I am going to try to take it back to the dealer for store credit and ask my friend who works there if he has heard of the problem before.

Anyone here have similar problem with dealer serpentine belt?

Mark

Burg Boxster · 10-21-2008, 12:23 PM

Are you sure you rec'd the correct p/n? Seems odd

For the 986 there are 2 available:

996-102-151-66 - with AC
996-102-151-65 - w/out AC

I'd definitely return it. Tell 'em how you got stranded b/c they gave you an ill-fitting belt

986Porsche986 · 10-21-2008, 12:54 PM

Yeah, it was the right part number with AC. Funny thing is we went to the Porsche Escape last month in Albuquerque and the whole time I felt very confident knowing that I had a new belt and tools with me, good thing I didnt have to find this out on the side of the road.

I will keep you updated on what the dealer says.

Savanh · 10-21-2008, 06:05 PM

Mark - Do you happen to have any instruction of how to install the serpentine belt? I have about 65K on my car and would like to change it. But I'm not sure if I need too. Thanks

986Porsche986 · 10-22-2008, 08:50 AM

I used the bently manual, but here is a link that is pretty straight forward

http://theschillings.com/boxbeltcheck.htm

There is also alot of info on the forum as well. It is a pretty easy job as long as the belt fits

I am pretty happy with the belt I bought from NAPA, no squeaks and it went on easy. If you need more help Private Message me.

Mark

Savanh · 10-22-2008, 07:24 PM

Mark, I have one more question for you. My boxster had about 65K. Should I replace it? or waite. Also, I apprecaite for your information that you gave me.

Thank!
Don