Couple Dumb Questions

[jessep28]

00' Grand Prix GT- 54k

1) I am noticing small cracks in my serpentine belt (GM pointed it out too). Is it the best route to go Delco? If not, what is the best aftermarket belt I should get? Proper size?


2) I had it into GM for an oil change and they recommended power steering flush. At that mil age, is it necessary? I believe owners manual stated 45k, so I say yes.

Of course they were kind enough to quote me $200 all together for both belt and flush. I know belt cost and labor are out of line, but PS flush? I unfortunately don't have the knowhow or tools to do either repair. Sucks for me

Thanks again.

[GTP Dad]

The serpentine belt probably needs changed as if there are cracks it may fail on you. The Goodyear Gatorback belt is one of the better belts for the application but most of the aftermarket manufacturers make good belts too. The standard size will work just fine just tell the clerk at the autoparts store what the application is. The GM belt is acceptable but it is expensive. As for the power steering flush it will increase the life of the rack but that decision is up to you. I have had some very high mileage cars and never flushed on yet. So as they say "you make the call." IMO get the belt changed and leave the power steering alone just top off the fluid!

[BNaylor]

I agree with Lynn. You can't go wrong with a GoodYear Gatorback Poly V belt. PN: 4060915. My second chocie is Gates.

Same here. I have never had a power steering flush done on any of my cars.

[richtazz]

I'll third what Lynn and Bob said. Goodyear is an excellent belt, and if your original is starting to crack, it will only get worse. The power steering flush is not necessary, unless a system component failed and got metal in the fluid. If your car had over 150k and fluid looked really nasty, you could use an old turkey baster (make sure you don't borrow the wife's good one) to siphon out the old fluid and replace what is in the reservoir. Since the P/S pump is in such a lovely spot on our cars, I'd leave it alone, especially at 54k.

[wlkjr]

I've never done anything to my power steering but add a little fluid and only one belt in 9 years and that was for maintenance.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by wlkjr

I've never done anything to my power steering but add a little fluid and only one belt in 9 years and that was for maintainence.

And your current mileage on the odometer is _________?

I can never get over that. Simply amazing!

[wlkjr]

Originally Posted by bnaylor

And your current mileage on the odometer is _________?

306,000 miles
I edited my sig to reflect that.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by wlkjr

306,000 miles
I edited my sig to reflect that.

Its what they call a milestone.

[wlkjr]

Originally Posted by bnaylor

And your current mileage on the odometer is _________?

I can never get over that. Simply amazing!

I must have gotten the good one out of the batch. I can't relate to all the problems that some have with theirs. I do have a few small things occasionally but nothing major or that has left me stranded. I would love to have another one just like it.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by wlkjr

I must have gotten the good one out of the batch. I can't relate to all the problems that some have with theirs. I do have a few small things occasionally but nothing major or that has left me stranded. I would love to have another one just like it.

Our GPs are about the same age but I have under 92K miles.

When I checked the NADA suggested average retail my eyeballs nearly popped out for the mileage credit for resale value.

[jessep28]

Would a serpentine belt going bad cause abnormal engine vibration on fan operation? It's the same abnormal vibration on all fan settings, AC/NO AC etc.

Just noticed that this morning. Thanks loyal Grand Prix...

[wlkjr]

Originally Posted by bnaylor

Our GPs are about the same age but I have under 92K miles.

When I checked the NADA suggested average retail my eyeballs nearly popped out for the mileage credit for resale value.

Mine is probably worth about 35 cents wholesale. I have mainly been the only driver and have kept it clean. It looks almost new inside and the body has no dents or big scratches. I do have a windshield that has been cracked for over seven years but it's low and not in my vision so I have chosen not to have it removed. I'm afraid it might start leaking as I had the rear glass on my Grand Am replaced and it leaked until I had to pay out of my pocket to have it resealed. I did have to have both headlight assemblies replaced and that's the only external problems. I love driving this car and I'm going to keep it until it gives up the ghost. I'm even considering having a new motor put in when it expires.

[wlkjr]

Originally Posted by jessep28

Would a serpentine belt going bad cause abnormal engine vibration on fan operation? It's the same abnormal vibration on all fan settings, AC/NO AC etc.

Just noticed that this morning. Thanks loyal Grand Prix...

I don't think so. More likely to have a bad idler pulley. That's the one that puts tension on the belt. They do wear out the bearings and create a ridge around the circumference. But yours sound more like a bad blower motor.

[wlkjr]

You have to watch out for dealers when you have them serviced. I have never had mine in for any kind of service that they did start making all kinds of suggestions of things I needed to have done. Even had them charge me for an oil filter and change on a Monte Carlo once when I was having warranty work done for a carburetor problem. They did remove that charge but wouldn't have if I hadn't raised a ruckus.

[richtazz]

I agree with wlkjr, a heater fan vibration sounds like a blower motor issue. It's possible there is just some debris in the fan, causing it to be unbalanced. It's a fairly common problem on our cars. When you clean/replace the motor, install a cabin air filter from a same year Regal. GP's didn't come with them, but the slot is there for it. It will help keep moisture, dust and debris out of your motor, prolonging it's life.