Hello,

Just want to share this trick with everyone when replacing the Serp Belt:

1. Serpentine Belt Tool: IPD sells one for

http://www.ipdusa.com/ProductsCat.aspx?CategoryID=340&NodeID=142&RootID=629

If you have money buy it for $29.00.

I use a hardware store part! Works great:

http://www.accuspray.com/store/pipefittings/stainlesssteelpipefittings/PF-MsquareHexPlug.jpg

Get this pipe plug for $1.00 at hardware store, get the 3/4" square one, then do this:
- If the hardware store knows (and likes) you they can shave the square end to 5/8" (just shave only 2 sides of the square down to 5/8"). If not you can file it down yourself (Bench grinder is helpful here).

- For the "groove" side, file down opposing sides so an adjustable wrench can "bite" on it.

You are done. I keep this "tool" in glove box. Never know you get stuck somewhere with a broken belt and need this tool. Small enough to fit in the glove box.

2. Keep the old belt in the trunk. Not useful for a replacement but useful when you are stuck and you have no other choices.
An old belt removed from car USUALLY has thousands of miles that can be used in an emergency.
Or if you have budget then keep a new belt in the trunk when the existing belt has accumulated some 40K miles. This way you do not keep the trunk belt too long, then at the next replacement put on the belt in trunk and get another one for spare.

cn
1998 V70