Thanks for all the encouraging words. I did buy the AISIN kit that includes the water pump. The whole thing is basically coming apart so hopefully any other previously hidden problems will show themselves. I guess I can never know if the odo was rolled back, but I can try to fix things now. I did get a pretty good deal on the car, and as long as the engine isn't totally shot, I still should do alright hopefully.

I took it in to the mechanic for a once over before I bought it and everything looked great. Goes to show, you never know what lies beneath sometimes! I'll take a better look at the belt too, I wonder if it was some cheap replacement from the original\.

 

Both kits come with the water pump that are oem. The Aisin kit. Only one comes with the tensioner and idle bearing. TKT021

 

Is anyone changing their serpentine belt when they do their timing belt? I hear the former has to be removed and put back to get to the TB.

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i didn't. What you heard is true, but its very easy to get to and replace all by itself, meaning it took me around 20 min start to finish. The original belt lasted around 60k miles, at which point it started to make a faint squealing sound. Replaced it with $30 Gatorback belt, no problems now.

 

Is there a quick way to visually check the T-belt without actually removing any parts?

 

The answer, unfortunately, is "no". Mileage/time is the best way. You have to at least remove some covers to see the belt.

 

The serpentine belt generally refers to the accessory belt which drives the alt, AC, PS pump, etc.
It is a rather easy part to change. It all depends upon how old it is when the TB is done. If relatively new, I just put it back on when doing the TB. If older(50k miles or more), replace it. Its easy, so no biggy.