[ira968]

My balance belt let go probably due to poor tensioning at the last service interval 30K miles ago. Everything else, including the front seals, were changed and look to me to be in good shape. The best my local Porsche repair people will do is $400 for just the balance belt and idler. They want $1500 to do all the belts with a water pump and this is the best price -- I had one quote of $2700. I can buy a belt and idler for less than $75.



I have read the DYI on changing all the belts. Are all these steps necessary if you are changing just the balance belt? Is it the last belt in where you have to take everything else out to get to it? I have done this type of work on other imports and can probably do the 968.



Thanks for any advice or instruction.



It was surprising how little engine vibration a broken balance belt caused. I sensed something was different, especially around 3K rpm, which eventually led me to under the cover and the broken belt. Above and below 3K rpm there is hardly any difference.

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[sasilverbullet]

I just changed my balance and timing belt myself only using one special tool, the flywheel lock.



If you want details call me and I'll explain how it all works...(210)863-4492

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[Darth Vadar]

Another very good reason to change out the belts every 15,000 miles or five years, whichever comes first! and yes, you can do it yourself. Just takes patience to pull everything off and then remember to reassemble it all correctly!



BTW, I have a Flywheel Lock that I would be willing to sell.



Send me a PM and we can discuss it... now where did I put it???

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[sasilverbullet]

Darth - how much? I need one...PM me.

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[Cloud9...68]

To answer the original question, yes, it's possible to change just the balance shaft belt. It's actually pretty easy, but it does require the flywheel lock. Tensioning it is an exercise in trial-and-error, it you don't want to buy the mega-dollar tensioning tool. Just set it so the belts whine a little when cold, and quiet down after warming up. Good luck.

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