I took the car into the dealer for an oil change. They take better care of me than past dealers have. I think they want to be first in line if I sell my car. They have a total of 1 (ONE) new car on the lot. Maybe 12-15 used ones. Anyway, I asked them to look at my belts as I felt at 70K they ought to be changed. They said they were good, but worn enough to warrant replacement as well as the tensioner was leaking oil. They gave me a price of parts and labor of $426.

If I was still working, I'd have them do the work. However, Social Security doesn't pay that well. I found a couple of videos at the U of Y. (Youtube) Most weren't too much help. I just don't know if I want to fool with the water pump pulley. I'm also having issues finding parts. AutoZone doesn't even have the serpentine belt. Period, they don't carry it.

Anybody got any tips to make the job easier? I've got a friend who has skinny arms that can help me. I just need to find the parts.

 

I would suggest you check YouTube but I might get criticized for using the internet too much.

 

I did, that's the U of Y I mentioned. I saw several videos. Most weren't very good but I did find one that had good video, clear directions and the camera didn't jerk around. I have no doubt I can do it, I'm just trying to decide if I WANT to do it.

 

Good luck either way.
Finding a non-dealer mechanic that is familiar with Asian vehicles not to mention Mazdas in particular
can be a real chore.

My 2¢

 

Where I live it easy to find indie shops that specialize in Japanese cars. Guess its regional.

 

Likely has a lot to do with the size of the city. A larger city with several Asian dealerships would
likely have a few independent shops that are familiar with some or most Japanese and/or Korean
vehicles.

My 2¢

 

So far, the Mazdas I've worked on haven't been too bad. They are definitely NOT as bad as the Mitsubishi engines Chrysler used the the 1990's. Granted, I worked on an RX-3 back in the early 80's that was a stinker, although I never had any training or even a manual for the Wankle back then.

 

Chastised by the know-it-all. My condolences.

 

Ordered the parts of Fleabay last night. Genuine Mazda parts too. About 30% of the dealer cost locally. Not sure where the dealer is but most likely the same parts at the local dealer would use. The one good video I could find, that didn't jerk around and had good lighting, makes it look like an easy to medium difficulty repair. About the same as replacing the timing belt on the '89 Dodge Omni I used to Autocross. Maybe a little easier.