how hard is this job and what should I watch out for? Also has anyone bought the installation tool? How much does it run? The main serp. belt is pretty straight foreward, but how does the tool work on the A/C belt?

 

pita for the a/c belt ive heard, never done it because the compressor locked up before the belt needed to be changed.

 

My serpentine belt started slipping so I had to replace the ac belt as well. Just cut it off. I thought the tool came with the belt as it does with a few but it did not come with mine. There is no tensioner as you may already know. It took me probably 30 min and a lot of swearing but I got it on using a flat head. I need had to repeatedly try to pry the belt onto the pulley while turning the racket to spin the pulley. So if you can get the tool cheap its worth it. If not save the money and just do it. I hear the tool is nice. Fastest to two holes and tun the pulley and it slips on. Hope this helps.

 

Belts changed, what a b*tch. When you have a part that needs to be serviced regularly why not put a few more things in the way. They couldn't have moved the 2 A/C lines about 3 inches higher? But at any rate it's done and hopefully I won't have to do it again any time soon. One tip- if you can't find the install tool loosen but do not remove all four of the bolts to the a/c compressor it lets the belt slide on alot easier. Don't remove the bolts, if you do you can't line them back up to get them back in. Live and learn.