My alternator belt has gotten really loud. I adjusted it, but that wasn't my problem. I need to replace it. However, it looked like I was going to have to take off the drive (ribbed) belt in order to do that. My question is, never having changed a belt in my life, is there anything I need to know about doing this so that I don't destroy my car? Thanks

 

Get a haynes repair manual before you start. Also changing the belt is pretty easy to change. All you do is remove the splash shields and the cover on the passenger side. Then loosen the idler for the AC compressor belt. Next loosen the tensioner, and remove the belt. It should take you around 2-5 hours to complete.