There is a squeal coming from around the power steering belt so I assumed that was the culprit. My question is, how difficult is it to replace a ps belt? DIY or no? Any write ups? (unfortunately I cannot search because I havent donated yet) If not, is there any temperary fix to hold off until I can afford to bring her into a mechanic?

 

How about reading the stickies up top? IIRC there is one that has the title 4th gen How to's and I believe it is the SECOND sticky up top.

 

Easy fix. The first time I did it, took me 45 min. including time to take to the wheel off. Now, I can do it in about 15.

 

Also buy a Haynes manual. They are relatively cheap and a must own.

 

thanx for the help!

 

It might not be that easy. Believe me. If you don't have all the tools and if your bolts are rusted it may be a very difficult DIY job. I just replaced my Drive belt and I broke my tensioner by accident b/c it was rusted and my idle pully nut was completely rounded. Took me 3 times to change it with each time going to Autozone to get a tool to assist me. Also remember that some of the tensioner nuts are threaded backwards. I.E. Lefty tighty and righty loosy.

 

Tools needed:

12mm box wrench
14mm socket (3/8" drive)
10mm socket (3/8" drive)
12" extension (3/8" drive)
3/8" drive ratchet
Phillips screwdriver

1. Remove passenger side wheel
2. Remove the plastic cover that is now accessible (this protects the oil filter as well as drive belts)
3. Remove the underside cover that is bolted to the bumper cover as well as chassis (this protects the AC as well as other things)
4. Loosen the adjuster using the 14mm socket (this is located right above the idler pulley)
5. Using your 12mm box wrench, loosen the bolt holding the idler pulley
6. Remove the drive belt and replace