I found this interesting tidbit. To replace the alternator belt on a 2013 Chevy Spark, you have to use something called an “acoustic belt tension tester”. Seems you have to hold the device close to the belt and “pluck” the belt with your finger and see what the frequency is. 261-272Hz for a used belt, and 319-330Hz for a new belt. Kind of like tuning a guitar or a banjo I imagine. You tighten or loosen the belt to change the frequency. And this “acoustic belt tension tester” only costs $671.00. ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME? What doofus engineer came up with THIS brilliant idea? You know, for the past twenty years I’ve heard people say that the manufacturers are trying to make vehicles so complicated that you have to take them back to the dealer for repairs. But the independents have not disappeared yet, in spite of the manufacturer’s best efforts. It’s not that the dealership mechanics are all mental giants. I know some that aren’t the sharpest knife in the drawer. But the dealerships can better afford to buy the goofy equipment that it takes to replace a belt than the independent garage can. So, when you bring your Chevy Spark to me for an alternator belt and the job costs you $700.00… well… just don’t buy a Chevy Spark, okay?
Posted on: Sat, 18 Jan 2014 00:00:22 +0000
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