At 47,000 miles my '06 xB fan belt is squeaking. I'm virtually the original owner and still averaging 32 mpg. The only repair has been the AC. The car is in excellent condition, I plan on keeping it for at least 4 more years. The only mods are a roof rack and cruise control which I installed. The CC works but it's not as responsive as the OEM CC on my '89 Saturn, despite trying dozens of variations of its dip switches..


My question: I'm torn between having our Toyota dealer replace the belt and having a reputable garage do it. I believe our Toyota dealer automatically charges $82.00 just for the appointment so I envision their total would be about $150 - $200.


One thing in favor of having Toyota do it is I'll be assured that the belt will be OEM whereas I'd have to buy the belt (probably from Toyota) for the garage mechanic to replace. My considerations about a garage mechanic is that he probably doesn't work on many xB's and he might be learning how to replace a xB belt on my dime.


Are there any significant problems having to do with replacing a '06 belt—perhaps something I could say to a garage mechanic?


Also, I still do my oil changes but I'm wondering if there is something else I could have Toyota do while changing the belt so as to make it economical.


Much thanks,


Kerry

 

If you installed a CC on your xB there is no reason you couldn't put a new belt on. Just remember to make it TIGHT! You will have to retension it after the new one stretches out a little and you will be good to go. Look up the belt replacement in the service manual and you will see it is easy to do. A new belt is about $20-25.