No Mechanical Experience, Can I Change the Serpentine Belt Myself?

[7B Snow]

Or should I take it to a mechanic. I'm 19, have no mechanical experience besides doing basic stuff on bikes, but anything like rebuilding the shocks or adjusting and tuning de-railers I take it into a bike shop.


Would this be relatively simple or more involved then something I'd really want to get into and has potential to go very wrong and cost a lot of money relatively easily...?

Thoughts?

Trucks a 97, all stock w/V6 and only 80,000 (was an awesome find)

 

[nissanh]

If you want to learn on how to fix cars, I think you are at the right place, get the belts done.

Are you planning on replacing all the belts?

First thing you have to do is to remove the skid plate with 12 mm box socket. You'll need good set of tools. You have to remove the AC and P/S belt to remove the alternator belt.

 

[White 4x4runner]

go have a shop do it. it will save you hours of going to the auto parts store and buying this tool because you don't have it and it will also save you from a few busted up knuckles and allot of screaming and swearing. when i did mine for the first time i had been working on my own cars for about 4 years and i also had a mechanic brother that i was able to ask "how do i do this?" or "ok well now what?"


i was thinking timing belt...the other belts yeah go for it. just do a little homework online and try to find a couple videos of how to do it.once you know what your going into by online help. then go tackle it. should only take you about an hour or less.

 

[aha2988]

only if you stayed at a holiday inn last night, otherwise avoid it like the plague...

its not difficult, do a little research and teach yourself something new before you know it you'll be doing more and more.

 

[kball]

Serpentine belt? I think only the supercharged engines had a serpentine. If yours is then one of these other guys will have to advise you on that. If you mean the 3 accessory belts then here's a good link. How to: Change Drive Belts 3.4 L 5VZ-FE - YotaTech Forums

If you mean the timing belt, here's a link for that. http://www.nwtoys.com/forum/tech-article-submissions/1261-5vz-fe-timing-belt.html

 

[hairysrunner]

Learning to work on your car or truck can be very rewarding. You will appreciate you work and the knowledge you gain. Also, you will save tons of money doing it yourself. If you are unsure, then find someone who is willing to come over and check your work. I don't mean to bragged, but i taught myself to do anything but transmissions and engine rebuilds. It just a few nuts and bolts and time. The best part is buying nice tools. don't skimp on tools. the belts can be intimidating but believe me, i saved myself about $200.00 yesterday doing some work on my runner by myself. good luck!!!

 

[LittleCaesar]

There is no time like the present, unless you foresee yourself in the future not turning a wrench on your own autos due to time, making too much money, etc.

You need a couple of tools to make the job easier. The link Kball provided should get you started.