Replace Serpentine belt at 44k?

My truck started making a chirping/ screeching noise the other day when accelerating, took it to the dealership and they said the serpentine belt is really dry and recommend replacing it but they want to charge me $205 for it plus the $135 for diagnosis.
So we’re talking $340

The noise does go mostly quiet down almost to away when spraying water on the belt.

I’m not very mechanical inclined when it comes to this stuff, but from my research it seems like 44k/ 3 years is pretty early to replace the serpentine belt?

My only fear is that it’s so dry it will crack and snap while driving pretty soon with summer coming up.

Any advice on what to do here?

 

A new belt is $30. You can change one in 20min.
https://www.autozone.com/cooling-heating-and-climate-control/belt/toyota/tacoma/2017https://www.autozone.com/cooling-heating-and-climate-control/belt/toyota/tacoma/2017

 

Yeah, but does he know how? Thats where the upcharge comes from.

 

On my 08 Tacoma I had to change the belt when the truck was a year old because it chirped so bad. I put a Gates belt on it and it was quiet for the next 5 years when I traded it in on my 14.

 

Yeah unfortunately I don’t have the tools or the experience to feel confident enough to try it myself.

 

I'm replacing mine with the spark plugs at 60k. My belt looks great at 52k so I am going to wait it out. You can get belt conditioner in a can for the dryness issue but if it starts squealing or if you're afraid it will snap then just replace it.

 

Find a local shop to replace it for you and keep the old belt under back seat if you have a failure while out.

 

Maybe you can find someone on here local to you that can help you install for the price of a beer.

 

Rubber does weird shit. If it looks dry and the ribs looked cracked just get it changed. If it seems too expensive, start getting some tools and doing research on YT. In time you'll start saving yourself some money.

 

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...gQo7QBCC4wBA&usg=AOvVaw3BknMHhzXBxu5GXJMU1Aa0

See if this will help... If you don't want to do it just pony up the $$$. $300+ is high...

 

Go to a smaller local shop and get a price. Most likely it would be half that or more. Support the little guy.

 

Usually when they charge a diagnosis fee they include that in the price to repair.

 

Take a picture of current one and install new one. You dont carry any tools in your vehicles? I'd be more scared of driving without tools "just incase" then belt breaking.

 

Just changed my ‘06 last year with 170k on it!

 

If the dealer is charging what you consider a ridiculous amount for a serpentine belt change; ask what is included. There are approximately (YMMV) three idler wheels that come in the “standard” Toyota serpentine belt kit. The dealer may not be ripping you off.

 

Awesome thanks for that information

 

They want to charge you $135 to listen to it and say: "Yup, that's the belt squeaking"? Damn.
$30 for belt, $310 towards tools.

 

Hey, is it necessary to have a serpentine belt tool to fix it? I have a pretty complete offroad tool kit, or so I thought, but never thought about adding the belt to it. What is needed to replace it in the field?

 

Agreed. I've never changed a Toyota serpentine belt. But if it is as easy as everyother car I've owned, watch a YouTube video and do it yourself or ask a car guy friend to give you a hand for a six pack.

 

With all my prior cars I've only needed a socket ratchet long enough to get sufficient leverage over the belt tensioner. Literally takes five minutes on most cars.