VanDweller Community Forums

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Forums
  • Gatherings
  • Store
  • Find a Campsite
    • Arizona
      • Moving Camp to Cottonwood, AZ
      • Camping in Quartzsite, Arizona
      • Gorgeous Camp near Wickenburg, Arizona
  • How To Articles
    • How to Choose a Vehicle
    • How to Stay in Touch
    • Cooking and Meal Suggestions
    • Simple Kitchen Tips
    • Staying Clean
    • Laundry in Five-Gallon Buckets
    • Getting Rid of Stuff
    • Toilet Options for Van Living
    • Living on the Road with Pets
    • Staying Healthy & Fit
    • Safety for the Solo Traveler
    • Homesteading for Vandwellers
  • Electrical
    • How to Have Electricity
    • Cheap & Easy Ways to Get Electricity
    • Installing a Cigarette Lighter Plug
    • Installing an LED Light
  • Heat & Cold
    • Dealing with Heat and Cold
    • Warm in Winter/Cool in Summer
  • Solar and Wind
    • Basics of Solar Power
    • Solar Power Demystified
    • How to Install Solar Panels
    • Installing Flexible Solar Panels
    • Solar Panels on a Fiberglass Roof
    • Installing a Wind Generator
    • Solar Hot Water & Electricity
    • Stealth Solar
    • Cooking with a Solar Oven
  • Van Conversions
    • How to Live in a Conversion Van
    • Converting an Astro Mini-Van
    • Living in an Ambulance
    • Living in a Class B
    • Living in a Pop-Top Class B
    • Dodge Sprinter Conversion
    • A Couple in a Van
    • Living in a VW Vanagon
    • Family Vandwellers in a VW Westfalia
    • Easy Van Conversion
    • Inspiration: Charlene’s Story
    • European Vandweller
    • Steve’s Van Conversion
    • Dodge High-Top Conversion
  • Other Conversions
    • Living Out of a Prius
    • Living in a Boat
    • Full-Size SUV Conversion
    • Living in a Converted Cargo Trailer
    • Build Your Own Camper
    • How I Lived in a Bus
    • How to Live in a Ford Festiva
    • How to Install a High Top
    • Stealth Cargo Trailer
    • Ingenious Camper Shell
    • Living in a Step-Van
    • Survivalist Truck Dweller
  • Money
    • How to Make and Budget Money
    • Money Matters
    • Workamping
  • Philosophy
    • The Two Million-Year-Old Man
    • Embracing Minimalism
    • Needs vs. Comfort vs. Luxury
    • Finding True Freedom
    • Gaia Theory
    • Why Vandwelling is Greener
    • Understanding Carbon Footprint
    • Quotes to Inspire You
    • Christmas Dinner 2013
  • Adventure
    • Live For NOW–Not Tomorrow
    • Say “YES” to Adventure
    • Say “YES” to Adventure: I Skydive
  • Boondocking and Stealth Parking
    • Dispersed Camping On Public Land
    • Living/Camping on Public Land
    • How to Live Off-Grid in Cities
    • Where To Stealth Park
    • Tent Living Off-Grid
    • Exploring Slab City
    • Dry Camping in an RV
    • Tent Living in the Desert
    • Boondocking

  • View New Posts
  • View Today's Posts
  • Search
  • Misc
    • Portal
    • Member
    • View Forum Rules
    • Help Docs
Login or Register Hello There, Guest! Please Login or Register to gain Full Access!
Login
Username:
Password: Lost Password?
 
    Forum
  1. VanDweller Community Forums
  2. Reviews and Recommendations
  3. Product and Service Reviews
  4. Auto Zone lends tools!
Pages (2): 1 2 Next »
Thread Rating:
  • 0 Vote(s) - 0 Average
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

Thread Modes
Auto Zone lends tools!
Skywater
Member
***
Posts: 17
Threads: 4
Joined: Oct 2019
Reputation: 0
#1
11-09-2019, 09:23 AM
My serpentine belt broke last night. To be honest, I've been riding with a replacement, knowing it needed to be installed, but fearing my personal capabilities. 

I needed a tool to help loosen the tensioner and walked the 3 blocks to Auto Zone where they loaned me the tool, no charge!

And, I successfully replaced my first serpentine belt. Woo woo!!!
Find
Reply
highdesertranger
Moderator
******
Posts: 21,362
Threads: 274
Joined: Apr 2012
Reputation: 482
#2
11-09-2019, 10:53 AM
good for you.

just so everyone knows O'Riellys also lends tools.

highdesertranger
Find
Reply
Gypsy Freedom
Posting Freak
****
Posts: 329
Threads: 5
Joined: Jun 2019
Reputation: 27
#3
11-09-2019, 12:00 PM
some NAPA and car quests also loan tools.

most of the main stream parts stores that offer a tool loan program seam to offer lots of specialty tool you might only need on occasion. not sure what they offer as far as basic wrench or socket sets, never had the need. but the loan program has really saved me time and time again

pretty cool resource to know about.
Find
Reply
Qxxx
deleted account
Posts: 2,400
Threads: 38
Joined: Feb 2019
#4
11-09-2019, 12:37 PM
Sky, what did you use to properly tension the new belt? Too much tension and you'll probably blow out the water pump bearings, too loose and it will not do its job.
Find
Reply
B and C
Stuck at home since Oct. 2018
****
Posts: 5,009
Threads: 18
Joined: Dec 2014
Reputation: 121
#5
11-09-2019, 12:41 PM
IIRC all serpentine belts have automatic tensioners (at least all mine did). V belts are another story.

Brian

2000 Roadtrek 200 Versatile "The Beast" (it has been tamed hopefully)  I feed it and it doesn't bite me.
Find
Reply
Qxxx
deleted account
Posts: 2,400
Threads: 38
Joined: Feb 2019
#6
11-09-2019, 01:18 PM
"automatic tensioners". Aha, something to follow up on, thanx. I mainly stopped doing engine work after they invented computers.
(This post was last modified: 11-09-2019, 01:19 PM by Qxxx.)
Find
Reply
B and C
Stuck at home since Oct. 2018
****
Posts: 5,009
Threads: 18
Joined: Dec 2014
Reputation: 121
#7
11-09-2019, 01:58 PM
I still can do a lot of the maintenance stuff, batteries, belts and hoses. Oh, and oil changes but don't like doing them but am able.

Brian

2000 Roadtrek 200 Versatile "The Beast" (it has been tamed hopefully)  I feed it and it doesn't bite me.
Find
Reply
Skywater
Member
***
Posts: 17
Threads: 4
Joined: Oct 2019
Reputation: 0
#8
11-10-2019, 09:35 AM
(11-09-2019, 12:37 PM)Qxxx Wrote:  Sky, what did you use to properly tension the new belt? Too much tension and you'll probably blow out the water pump bearings, too loose and it will not do its job.

There were no adjustment options. Swing the tension wheel thing down to loosen and finish belt installation,  release and it goes back in place. 

(I am not a mechanic and am apt to use lingo such as thingamajig and doohickey)

I can do simple things with the help of youtube videos, schematics, and having watched others.
Next project I hesitantly want to tackle is a brake change.

I drive a 2005 Chrysler Town and Country
(This post was last modified: 11-10-2019, 09:38 AM by Skywater.)
Find
Reply
Qxxx
deleted account
Posts: 2,400
Threads: 38
Joined: Feb 2019
#9
11-10-2019, 11:08 AM
Cool, I looked at a couple of videos on how-to for T&C. I hope you have some jack stands, so not relying 100% on the regular jack. Got to have those things to be safe, even for changing flat tires. It's a bit tight on the side of that engine, but the tensioner makes it more straightforward than the old days, :-).

Doing brakes is even less for the faint of heart (we're talking me here!!). Need a mask, as there will be dust. Also possibly needing to turn rotors or drums, and roto-root the cylinders.
(This post was last modified: 11-10-2019, 11:09 AM by Qxxx.)
Find
Reply
Skywater
Member
***
Posts: 17
Threads: 4
Joined: Oct 2019
Reputation: 0
#10
11-10-2019, 05:32 PM
I definitely do NOT trust the factory jack!!! For the serpentine belt I was able to turn the wheel and squeeze under without elevating.  However you raise a valid point for when I do the brakes and other projects. Thank you!
Find
Reply
« Next Oldest | Next Newest »

Pages (2): 1 2 Next »


  • View a Printable Version
  • Subscribe to this thread
Forum Jump:


Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)

About Our Community

We strive to maintain a safe space to ask questions, discuss relevant topics, and support each other. All are welcome, in a car, van or RV, including full-timers, part-timers, and those preparing for, or exploring the vandwelling lifestyle

Quick Links




Reach Us

Contact Us  Meet Our team

Powered By MyBB. Crafted by EreeCorp.
Linear Mode
Threaded Mode