That's not gone well pt2. A new discovery!

"Mercedes Streeter" (smart)
07/10/2016 at 17:04 • Filed to: Double crap

Here are pics of the belts. The air conditioner belt looks to be in good condition. The water pump/alternator belt is wrecked.

And as a bonus, transmission leak! Also wow, I’ve never seen any of my oil filters rust before.

DISCUSSION (18)

PS9 > Mercedes Streeter
07/10/2016 at 17:08

Belts usually can be done with hand tools. Is it that hard to change it?

Mercedes Streeter > PS9
07/10/2016 at 17:11

It’s a job I can do myself, but not one I’d trust myself to do lol. Looks like I can pick up the part at an AutoZone, then choose any of the local mechanics in the area.

Cé hé sin > PS9
07/10/2016 at 17:11

It’s a Smart.

Everything’s hard to get at.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Mercedes Streeter
07/10/2016 at 17:25

Belts aren’t terribly fun on those. But axle seals are common. Most of us can do them in 15-20 minutes. 1 seal, 1 axle bolt, 1 quart of BOT 328 trans fluid. When They leak under warranty we replace the axle as well because the new ones come with a meal ring to protect the seal from debris. But I wouldn’t do it if that’s out of the budget, or on my own car if I had a smart.

Urambo Tauro > Mercedes Streeter
07/10/2016 at 17:29

I’m not used to seeing oil filters rust either. Is that some kind of an extended (synthetic?) interval thing?

Mercedes Streeter > Urambo Tauro
07/10/2016 at 17:32

I think it may be that it’s been so long since I’ve changed the oil lol. I not nearly drive as much anymore, so the 10k it takes to have to change the oil again took a very long time. Maybe the salt from the winter did the filter in.

Mercedes Streeter > Cé hé sin
07/10/2016 at 17:34

Looked at the instructions.

Step 1: Jack up car, remove right rear wheel.

Welp, I’m out. lol

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > Mercedes Streeter
07/10/2016 at 17:43

Rusted oil filter? That's a new one.

Ike > Mercedes Streeter
07/10/2016 at 17:53

That's only like 3 bolts tho on your wheels

XJDano > Mercedes Streeter
07/10/2016 at 18:12

Kinja'd!!!

Was a1/2second from GIS James May cock, then just put in meme. That was a close one.

Looks like tensioner needs an Allen socket of about 8-10mm instead of the usual 3/8" square ratchet head. That’s a bummer.

Although it’s likely not a big deal and I would encourage you to do it yourself, if you feel that it’s out of your experience lever ( or just font want to do it) by all means take it to a mechanic.

The crank position sensor I replaced yesterday required the serpentine belt removal to take The power steering pump off to access the sensor. The more you get comfortable doing smaller jobs the easier the tasks become.

Also it's hot outside, I was lucky to be in the shade for vehicle work which I refused to get paid.

Cé hé sin > Mercedes Streeter
07/10/2016 at 18:12

Step 1a: acquire axle stands. Never work under a car balancing precariously on the supplied jack.

Mercedes Streeter > XJDano
07/10/2016 at 18:41

It’s interesting, I can do wiring, electronics, taking apart the interior, changing my motor mount, changing rotors and brake pads, spark plugs, exhaust heat shields, the exhaust itself, even cosmetic changes to the exterior...but anything critical? I run away from! I have a history of borking mechanical things...and my engine is the last thing I want to mess up.

e36Jeff now drives a ZHP > Mercedes Streeter
07/10/2016 at 18:44

Unless money is a serious problem, do both belts. They will have to remove the serpentine belt to get to the A/C belt when its time comes, so you’d have to pay to get it removed twice.

Also, on a side note, if you are driving that infrequently, you might need to switch to a time interval not a mileage interval for the oil changes. I think its once a year, but I’m not really sure.

Mercedes Streeter > e36Jeff now drives a ZHP
07/10/2016 at 18:55

I’m still hitting over 10k a year, it’s just I’m no longer driving 5k a month. Now it’s more like 1.5k a month. I’m thinking maybe I got a low quality filter last time I did a change, and the salt from the winter got to it.

Since I don’t have the means to do it myself (and I don’t trust myself doing most engine work outside motor mounts or spark plugs), I already found a shop to do it for cheap. :)

StolenIdentity(TrueMopar4Life) > Mercedes Streeter
07/12/2016 at 12:16

What year is this car and how many miles?

Not trying to be an ass, but that looks in worse shape than either of our Voyagers, both of which are over 20yrs old with almost 200k.

Mercedes Streeter > StolenIdentity(TrueMopar4Life)
07/12/2016 at 13:01

2012. 110,000 miles.

Tbh, I take responsibility for some of the condition of the car.

Life for me has been excruciatingly hard for the past 12 months, first my parents took all of my money, then emotionally abused me. Then right when I was about to be back on my feet from that, my job (back then) decided to cut my pay in half. I then found new work...who decided to outsource to India literally two months after they hired me. Escorted me out of the building like I committed a crime.

I used to pamper my car, washes every week, daily brake dust cleaning, early services, modifications, etc etc...

Some of my car’s problems (like all of my transmission problems) are the result of Mercedes-Benz refusing repairs when I was under warranty. Others are known wear item issues with smarts.

I FINALLY found work thankfully, hopefully bring life back on track.

StolenIdentity(TrueMopar4Life) > Mercedes Streeter
07/12/2016 at 16:06

I hope all gets better for you. Best of luck.

Mercedes Streeter > StolenIdentity(TrueMopar4Life)
07/13/2016 at 11:59

Danke :)