So, I was having a problem with squealing belts and I took my 02 down to my father-in-law's shop (he's an indie car dealer with a small shop) and he replaced my belts (the price was right - free).

That was 3 days ago... and now this evening, the belts started squealing again which I thought was odd... and then all of a sudden, the heater was blowing cold air at me, the temp gauge read all the way at H and the spedometer was stuck at 40. Also, there was a battery light on.

I pulled over at a gas station, took a look inside... broken interior belt and anti-freeze all over the engine.

WTF do I do now? I've heard that since the car kept running, it's probably the belt that runs the water pump? I don't want to move it, but I don't want to pay to have it towed the 30+ miles from Boulder to my house, but I will if that's all I can do.

I've heard pep boys will tow the car for free, but the closest pep boys is 10+ miles away. If anyone has any good Mazda mechanics in Boulder, Colorado, then I'd love their phone number.

 

I think your father-in-law might have a hidden grudge. . .


Just kiddin, that really sucks though. If you were up a little farther north (say 70 miles or so) I could help ya out. But to be honest, I avoid Boulder like a repulican. Good luck finding a fix. Maybe you should consider paying for AAA for a little bit.

 

Correct - don't try to drive it.

Tow it local and pay what they charge. sorry.

Towing a long distance to save on labor - won't work - run the numbers.

 

you just bought yourself a new water pump, water pump/alt belt, timing componant kit, valve cover gasket, gallon of coolant, tube of silicone, etc etc etc.

he probably over tightened the belts.