Replacing hoses & belts in my `01 OBW.

[Bradley Walker]

I'm curious as to how hard it is and what tools are needed to replace radio
hoses and other needed hoses/belts in my OBW? It's not critical to do now,
but I may want to attempt that later this fall if I have free time. The
dealership wanted to rape my wallet of $450 for that. Suggesting that they
are so old eveything could fail and I could crash etc. While I understand
they've been in there now since the car was new (some have been replaced by
the previous owner) I would rather enjoy the warm fuzzy feeling of doing it
myself at minimal cost of parts.

Is this something in the Chilton/haynes manuals? Or is it a no-brainer job?
Or is it an experts only job?

Brad

 

[Pop-N-Fresh]

i didnt know radios had hoses lol...
replacing hoses and belts is very easy... usually you need nothing more
than sockets for the belts and screwdrivers for the hoses

 

[Edward Hayes]

The $450 probably includes the camshaft timing belt which requires
removing all the AC,PS and alternator belts. Then crankshaft pulley
and cam covers to get to the timing belt. Before you jump take a look
at www.endwrench.com for pictures & details. $450 is a typical price
for a timing belt change. Ed

 

[Bradley Walker]

Nope, no timing belt included in that. The only thing that was specificied
when I pressed the service manager to break down the costs was just radiator
(whoops, didn't mean to type radio - heh) hoses, belts. He said replacing
the one radiator hose that has a pinhole leak would run $89.

 

[Pop-N-Fresh]

find a new mechanic... that place is a rip

Nope, no timing belt included in that. The only thing that was specificied
when I pressed the service manager to break down the costs was just radiator
(whoops, didn't mean to type radio - heh) hoses, belts. He said replacing
the one radiator hose that has a pinhole leak would run $89.

 

[Edward Hayes]

Definitely find another mechanic. Ed

find a new mechanic... that place is a rip

 

[Bradley Walker]

I'm definately doing what I can to not use them. See the above thread
entitled "Replacing timing belt on `01 OBW" where the former service manager
has offered to perform the major 90k mile service for me at a much
discounted rate. For now though for smaller quickie things like oil changes
and multipoint inspection I do use the dealership because for under $30 it's
worth it in my time. Plus their over-exaggeration of problems I have can
give me an idea of what does need to be replaced/fixed in the next year or
so. So I like to think for now, while I use them for something small as oil
changes, I am not using them for large and outlandish services.

 

[Pop-N-Fresh]

no offense... but anyone who charges $90 for a damn radiator hose needs
to be shot.

 

[Bradley Walker]

None taken, and I wholeheartedly agree. That's why I figured that they were
exaggerating the seriousness of the leak (if there is one - I'll be getting
a second opinion soon) but do take it with a grain of salt to at least
investigate on my own to see if there is any credibility to any of their
repair claims.