After smelling burnt rubber, hearing some strange noises, and seeing the battery dash indicator light come on, I popped the hood to find that my serpentine belt was starting to disintegrate.

Does anyone in the Pittsburgh area have a tensioner tool they would be willing to rent/lend me for a few days? I need to get my car back on the road as soon as I can, and even if I order a tensioner tool tonight, I won't have it in my hands until next week.

A few other questions for anyone who has replaced their own serpentine belt:

• Should I be able to find a replacement belt at a local auto parts store, or will I have to get it from the local Mini dealer?
• Is there anything in addition to the belt I should be looking to replace that would be readily available at a local auto parts store?
• How difficult of a job is this? I'm no mechanic, but I'm pretty handy (can change my own oil, brakes, etc.).

If you have a tensioner tool - or know where I can get my hands on one, please text or call me ANY TIME at 412-567-6450.

THANKS!

 

try advance they lend tools

 

Thanks for the suggestion. I'd be surprised if they have a tool for a specialty application like that, but it's worth a call.

 

I think someone in the club has one... try emailing events@pittstopmini.org