You might want to check the alternator/pwr steering idler pulley

w261w261 · #1 01-30-2010, 04:09 PM

Last week I had to have the car flatbedded back to CT from NYC (good thing I have AAA plus). The idler pulley for the power steering and alternator belt had frozen up, which of course wore through the belt and there you go. It was very cold and at night, so the already weak battery drained and the car was really hard to steer.

Long story short, it might be a good idea to check and see if the pulley is still able to spin freely. New ones are available from Mother Subaru for about $50.

Crazy_pilot · #2 01-30-2010, 04:27 PM

And the bearing can be replaced pretty easily for about $10.

w261w261 · #3 01-30-2010, 08:14 PM

I wondered if the bearing was easily available, but the pulley itself had melted belt on it, and it was a lot easier to just order it.

SVeXy96 · #4 02-04-2010, 08:11 PM

Unless you're a real mechanic you're better off just ordering the pulley as its a sealed bearing and you need special tools to get it out, and as cheap as they are its worth it for the work it saves you. No need to tow though. I drove my car from one end of the island here to the other without a belt. I heard a loud snap under the hood and instantly pulled over. I popped the hood and one little chunk of my belt was laying on top of the engine. Luckily since it was immediate and I still had full battery I just shut off my radio and unplugged my ipod and drove home. Even had enough battery the next day to drive to the parts store for another belt

Also as far as losing power steering a lot of people try to drive slow but its actually a lot easier to steer the faster you go. I'm a petite chick and had to go through several hairpin turns and still made it home no problem!

Crazy_pilot · #5 02-04-2010, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SVeXy96

Unless you're a real mechanic you're better off just ordering the pulley as its a sealed bearing and you need special tools to get it out...

Snap ring pliers, a hammer, a proper sized socket to punch the bearing out and a vice to press the new one in? Not exactly super expensive specialty tools.

SVeXy96 · #6 02-04-2010, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crazy_pilot

Snap ring pliers, a hammer, a proper sized socket to punch the bearing out and a vice to press the new one in? Not exactly super expensive specialty tools.

lol well I don't have snap ring pliers so that makes them fancy