Date: 19 Jun 2006 10:46:53 -0700 From: "Drew" <andrewduncannospamternet.com> Subject: Smoking Auxiliary belt (fan belt / serpentine belt)
Hi, On a long trip at high speed, once I slowed down I noticed a burning smell from the engine compartment (of my 1997 Saab 900s 2.0i, 160K miles). I opened the bonnet and there was a small amount of smoke coming from the belt (the one that drives the oil, power steering, and AC pumps). The belt seems in good condition though it looks a little "shiny" on the outside face. The inside, ridged, face looks just fine. A mechanic said it was likely to be the tensioner pulley bearings seizing up rather than the belt its self giving up. Sounds like an OK reason to me. Checking the Haynes manual it says the belt should be changed every 15K miles or so - I missed that one along the way. Mine hasn't been done in something like 80K miles. How difficult and expensive is it to replace the pulley bearings and belt do you think? There is a bit of a squeal developing now.) Many thanks, Drew
