which to replace

what are the signs of needing to replace belts or the whole alternater?

Belts that squeal, are cracked or frayed, or even if you can not remember when you changed them last are candidates to be changed. If the alternator makes noise like a bad bearing or is not putting out the juice it should be changed. I'd change the belts first and if that doesn't fix your issue and you need a new alt you can use the new belts anyways.

whats the average price for belts? from a parts store or froma garage to be put in? if i buy them myself to put what kind in reccamended? would i be better off goin to a pro and payin a lil extra to have the put it on for me?

whats the average price for belts? from a parts store or froma garage to be put in? if i buy them myself to put what kind in reccamended? would i be better off goin to a pro and payin a lil extra to have the put it on for me?


A cheap serp belt will cost around $15 - $18
A good belt like Gatorback (goodyear) or Gates Brand
will cost $30 to $35

Get the good belt though....the cheap one will be squealing in a few months

Go to the library and look at the repair manual, make a photo copy, then look at your motor and mentally go through the steps it will take to replace the belt. Replacing belts, generally, is not difficult and shouldn't take more than an hour.
It took me less than fifteen minutes to replace the belt on my '87 Taurus.