Serpentine Belt...what's a reasonable / fair replacement cost?

SteveBrickNJ

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
I just got home from an Oil Change at a auto service business chain called "Mr. Tire".
My Mazda CX-5 has 53,700 miles and the technician told the front desk manager to let me know he thinks my Serpentine Belt should be changed.
I asked to be escorted into the service bay so I could see for myself. They granted my request and as I looked at the belt it only had a minor line down the center of the belt....not indented really much. The overall impression I got was the belt will be fine for at least another 10,000 miles.
I declined their price which was: $129.99 ( $69.99 for the part and $60.00 for the labor )
*
Knowing that businesses need to make a profit....but also knowing some businesses are too greedy....WHAT WOULD BE A FAIR PRICE for a business to charge me to take off my current serpentine belt and put on a new one?
 

King Racoon 77

Thank you sir. You were an inspiration.
Premium Member
I just got home from an Oil Change at a auto service business chain called "Mr. Tire".
My Mazda CX-5 has 53,700 miles and the technician told the front desk manager to let me know he thinks my Serpentine Belt should be changed.
I asked to be escorted into the service bay so I could see for myself. They granted my request and as I looked at the belt it only had a minor line down the center of the belt....not indented really much. The overall impression I got was the belt will be fine for at least another 10,000 miles.
I declined their price which was: $129.99 ( $69.99 for the part and $60.00 for the labor )
*
Knowing that businesses need to make a profit....but also knowing some businesses are too greedy....WHAT WOULD BE A FAIR PRICE for a business to charge me to take off my current serpentine belt and put on a new one?
Doesn't sound unreasonable. If your belt fails you could be looking at serious $$$.

Edit; a quick Google search say the belt may last between 50-100 thousand miles. Approx cost between 90-149 dollars.
 
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SteveBrickNJ

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Doesn't sound unreasonable. If your belt fails you could be looking at serious $$$.

Edit; a quick Google search say the belt may last between 50-100 thousand miles. Approx cost between 90-149 dollars.
Thank you for taking the time to respond. Yet....I just checked the belt price with AUTO ZONE Auto Parts and a "Continental Serpentine Belt with a 3 year warranty is $27.99"
 

MinnieM123

Premium Member
I welcome other opinions as well...thanks😉

Have you tried Googling the make and year of your car, to find an "average" mileage range for when it's suggested to replace the Serpentine? I know nothing about cars, but hubs does. He had ours replaced last year as a precautionary measure, when it went above (I can't remember the actual mileage). As Mr. Ferret stated, "if" you belt is starting to wear and you don't replace it, then you're really talking about some very expensive repairs if it breaks. Hubs also had mentioned that to me as well, last year.

Maybe also get a second opinion from your local mechanic (if you have one).
 

John park hopper

Well-Known Member
Look in your owners manual and see when the scheduled replacement is, As was posted a belt usually requires changing every 50 or 100,000 miles. You can look ay the belt check to see if it is showing signs of wear. I have changed many it's not hard probably find a video showing you how. If its worn replace it-- the belt runs your water pump, alternator, power steering without it you are stranded. The price quoted is not bad they will charge more for parts as they have overhead. I don't trust repair shops so ask for the old part or look at the belt before they change it , then look at the new one they put on.
 

SteveBrickNJ

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
I will eventually get a 2nd opinion. But let me point out that I surprised the technician who made the recommendation by asking to see it. AND as I stood by him and we spoke about it he admitted that it was not an emergency need and could wait until my next oil change. So I will shop around and get a second opinion....killing two birds with one stone kinda thing 😎
 
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OneofThree

Well-Known Member
I just got home from an Oil Change at a auto service business chain called "Mr. Tire".
My Mazda CX-5 has 53,700 miles and the technician told the front desk manager to let me know he thinks my Serpentine Belt should be changed.
I asked to be escorted into the service bay so I could see for myself. They granted my request and as I looked at the belt it only had a minor line down the center of the belt....not indented really much. The overall impression I got was the belt will be fine for at least another 10,000 miles.
I declined their price which was: $129.99 ( $69.99 for the part and $60.00 for the labor )
*
Knowing that businesses need to make a profit....but also knowing some businesses are too greedy....WHAT WOULD BE A FAIR PRICE for a business to charge me to take off my current serpentine belt and put on a new one?

$60 is reasonable for the labor considering the going rates. They're making money on the part, but that's typical as well. If it were me, I'd buy a Gates belt and just pop it on myself. 👍 What you're really looking for are cracks on the side of the belt. If you see those, replace.
 

SteveBrickNJ

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
$60 is reasonable for the labor considering the going rates. They're making money on the part, but that's typical as well. If it were me, I'd buy a Gates belt and just pop it on myself. 👍 What you're really looking for are cracks on the side of the belt. If you see those, replace.
I know and agree that $60 labor is typical. I'm just not happy with the parts mark up.
I am not willing to try to do it myself.
Thank you for the feedback re. the cracks on the side of the belt. Very helpful ;)
 

SteveBrickNJ

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
I just got home from an Oil Change at a auto service business chain called "Mr. Tire".
My Mazda CX-5 has 53,700 miles and the technician told the front desk manager to let me know he thinks my Serpentine Belt should be changed.
I asked to be escorted into the service bay so I could see for myself. They granted my request and as I looked at the belt it only had a minor line down the center of the belt....not indented really much. The overall impression I got was the belt will be fine for at least another 10,000 miles.
I declined their price which was: $129.99 ( $69.99 for the part and $60.00 for the labor )
*
Knowing that businesses need to make a profit....but also knowing some businesses are too greedy....WHAT WOULD BE A FAIR PRICE for a business to charge me to take off my current serpentine belt and put on a new one?
BTW....I had an oil change at the Mazda dealership 3 weeks ago and THAT technician felt my Serpentine Belt was fine. I think the NON dealership place last June didn't think I'd ask to see it myself. I think they were just trying to increase their profits at my expense.
 

John park hopper

Well-Known Member
In your owners manual it should tell you how often the belt should be changed. I have always changed my own it is really not that difficult. Just checked belt prices online most expensive Gates $44 cheapest brand $14. Unfortunately many places try to sell you stuff you don't need and when the it comes to cars many people don't know anything about them--- put gas in turn the key
 

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