Replacing Surpentine Belt?

[robstercruise]

Just joined and thankful for this forum! Disgusted at a quote for eight hundred and forty bucks today to replace my AC/Compressor, I thought I'd change it myself and have them gas it up. I read your thread concerning a fella wanting to do it along with all the deterring comments and now I'm rethinking. But even if I wanted to do it I can't figure out the tensioning supply for the serpentine belt system? Is the small pulley between the crank and the compressor the tensioner?

[2004PTCruiser]

Rob
you may want to look at the free manual it is a Sticky on this forum that may help you with replacing the surpentine belt

[SRG]

You might want to check the price of the parts you're going to need. I had a stratus that needed a new compressor. The part, by itself, was about $500. I got that from a dealer AND a private shop. (according to the private shop, it was one of the most expensive ones he's seen).

You probably could get a rebuild, but check to see what kind of guarentee it comes with. For that matter, if you have it done somewhere, make sure you find out what kind of guarentee they give.

If most of the cost is the parts (and they're realistic prices, not dealer fantasies), then it might not pay to do it yourself.

Just my .02 cents, your mileage may vary etc...

srg

[CREWZIN]

Robster,

I sent you a Private Message asking for more information. Chrysler changed the tensioner on the 2003 model and I can get you a picture of the part if I knew which year your PT was.

Check this site out....

Chrysler Pt Cruiser Timing Belt Tensioner - Car Parts Wholesale

[robstercruise]

Really appreciate the response's and I've done some checking around on my quote and it seems fair after all. This is a job best left for those certified and that's just what I'm going to have to do when I've saved a few weeks pay. This economy is killing us all, and 900 bucks isn't easy to come by!
Thanks again for the links and the advice, and praise God for the cooler weather since it's going to be awhile till we have A/C in the Cruiser...
Take Care all!
Robstercruise