So, I have a 2002 Pontiac Grand Am with 125,000 miles. Besides doing the most basic maintenance (oil change every 4k-5k miles along with the obvious tires and brakes changes) I haven't gotten any other work done on the car. I do know that the serpentine belt is something I will need to replace at some point in the not to distant future.

I guess my goal here is to get opinions on when to change it. Should I keep trying to check it for wear and just keep driving on it? Or with the mileage it has on it, should I go ahead and get it replaced sometime soon anyway since I plan to drive this car for a few more years (hopefully).

Appreciate it.

11/3/2010 9:11:50 AM

They're really cheap and usually pretty easy to replace. If you've had the same one on this long, it definitely wouldn't hurt to go ahead and replace it.

11/3/2010 9:24:50 AM

Don't buy the really cheap ones. Get you a good one for about 30 bucks. As it drives EVERYTHING, I'd make it a priority to replace it soon. As it's a really easy thing to do on most GM cars, you really don't have any excuse. If you're not handly with tools at all, one of us here can do it for a song and a dance.

Serpentine belts may seem daunting for those who haven't ever done one, but after the first time, you'll be able to do 'em all day long.

Only one problem I can think of...some GM V6 cars have an engine mount that has to come off to do the belt.

11/3/2010 9:35:28 AM

Thanks guys. And yea I definitely plan to buy a good one (especially since, like you said, even the good ones are not expensive).

If I lived near Raleigh I would definitely pay someone on here do it so I could see first hand how it's done for future knowledge. Unfortunately I don't live up there anymore. I have a few friends near me though who might not mind some extra cash and free beer though to help me through it. I'll check with them.

Also, I just have a 4 cylinder so hopefully it will be a piece of cake.

Thanks again!

11/3/2010 9:47:01 AM

Buy a Gates belt. There is a good chance it is made right here in NC depending on your application, and they are great belts.

11/3/2010 11:33:04 AM

One of these is handy on american cars, but not necessary.

http://www.harborfreight.com/serpentine-belt-tool-kit-66344.html

11/3/2010 1:02:23 PM

sounds good. thanks both of you

PS: I know I'm one of the few MEs that really doesn't get into cars at all

11/3/2010 4:34:09 PM

You will have to undo a motor mount on that car.

Also your lower intake manifold gasket is going to go soon (if you havent replaced it)

And your fuel filter

ohh and your transmission, if you have the 3400v6

[Edited on November 4, 2010 at 10:54 PM. Reason : NM you have the 4 banger your golden]

11/4/2010 10:53:45 PM

appreciate the info. I do plan to replace the fuel filter and the spark plugs the same day I do the serpentine belt here in the near future.

I'll keep the manifold gasket in mind if I start noticing poor mileage driving around.

Knock on wood this car has been solid even though it isn't anything to write home about. It was plagued with the PassLock security glitch that caused the car to not want to start when it went bad, but I just rewired the car to bypass the PassLock when starting the car. A lot cheaper than any of the fixes other people suggested

11/8/2010 11:14:17 AM