So I called the dealer to ask for a quote on changing the "2" belts as well as flush the coolant. He sounded confused, and I said 'yeah the AC belt and the Power Steering Belt'. He says that there are three belts that get changed. So now I'm the confused one. I planned on doing it this weekend, but was expecting to only buy two belts. Whos the idiot.

BTW he wanted $220 for those two things lol.

 

2 belts! You are right.

 

Only 2 belts and the p/s is a biotch.

 

ripoff. my mech charged 170 to do both belts and both radiator hoses.

 

Ouch I paid $40 for a new a/c belt installed and doubt the power steering one would have been 2 much more.

 

how do you know when to change?

 

When your car squeels when you press on the gas that usually means its the ac belt. Its hard to miss.

 

I paid 50 for labor to have both belts replaced. Usually with belts you visually inspect the belts for cracks. If it squeals then it is not tightened correctly.

 

Squeals don't always mean you need a new belt. A new belt would squeal if it was not properly tightened. A better judge of necessity is visual inspection: cracks or their absence in the "teeth" of the belt should indicate whether you need a new one.

The A/C belt is very easy to do by yourself. I have not tried the P/S, but you must have the A/C belt removed to replace the P/S belt. $220 is way too much to pay for this maintenance.