[spin]

I recently went to a Porsche dealer because they had replaced a broken alternator belt and power steering belt. They disconnected my air conditioner compressor and said that it was freezing up and that is what caused the belts to break. They charged me $550. I picked the car up in the evening after the techs had gone. Driving home I kept hearing squeaking, so the next day I took it back. They told me that the alternator bearings were bad and that I needed a new alternator and it would cost $1400. I decided not to have it done there and I went to a place that rebuilds alternators. He told me that my belt was too lose and it was the belt squeaking. He showed me that he could, with the engine turned off, turn the alternator easily by hand. Since I was there and my 968 has over 140k miles on it, I decided to have the alternator rebuilt anyway for $110. He put it back on and it seems to be fine now except my air conditioner no longer works. My question is: was he correct in that the belt was too loose? How do I know now that the tension on the belt is proper? Is there a tool, or should it flex a certain fraction of an inch when pushed? thanks

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[banditsc]

The same tool for the timing belt can be used, but it's expensive. The belt should be pretty tight, definitely shouldn't be able to turn the alternator by hand.

Also, I wouldn't go back to that dealer, they are trying to rob you.

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[Anchorman]

Spin, if I were you, given your location, I'd be calling Pete at RSBarn and making an appointment!

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[flash]

i'd be looking closely at the mounting bolts and ears for both the alternator and the AC - they are known to break from people "adjusting" things incorrectly

and i agree about going to pete - relatively nearby by to jersey, and at least you'll get it right

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[josephsc]

Not the best way, but can't you also check tension on an accessory belt by seeing how much deflection you have? Somehow 1/4" deflection sticks in my head from somewhere....

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[Scott Collins]

Hey Spin et al,

Just contact RS BARN - you won't get a raw deal - quite the opposite. I have had numerous mechanics and shops work on my cars, but now, I only go to RS Barn. Owning Porsches, and having limited time (and skills and knowledge... [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/huh.gif[/img] ) means that your car will see the lift. I used to do a lot more on my own, but now with two young children, I can barely start the thing without waking someone up.

Point is, Pete (and Max, the truly outstanding mechanic who works for Pete) will take care of your car and will care about you. That might sound corny, but that has been my experience. Talk is cheap, but I would not stick my neck out and recommend just anyone. You will get honest info, options, and you won't be forgotten about when you drive away. Since they see the 68's every day, they just know the typical things that happen, that you or I would have no clue about.

When you go there, they might find some other things wrong with your car. That's because they are observant and very picky and thorough, not because they are trying to jack your bill. Just roll with that and be prepared for it. Be prepared.

Pete knows what customer service is all about.

-Scott

(BTW: Pete, just send me $$$ for the above plug - just like we talked about... [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif[/img] )

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[spin]

thank you to everyone with your help and recommendations. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif[/img]

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[Anchorman]

Hey, Scott, I was the first to suggest RS Barn, so you'd best at least split the commission with me! [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif[/img] [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif[/img]

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[Ryan]

Spin, that dealership sounds like a bandit. I would give them plenty of bad "word of mouth".

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