While we still don't have all the info, it does appear gabzor is expecting too much from a old car with interstellar miles, wants to cheap out on repairs by bringing bought parts, is whining, and can't be pleased.

How do I come to this conclusion? It is more of a preponderance of issues rather than just one. I've seen this kind of thing before as I had owned / operated a auto repair shop from 88 to 97. ( I'm now doing the engineering thing at a factory. )

Before anyone says a MB should last forever, some materials on these cars are no different from what one would find on a 20 year old VW or even a Chevy Cavalier.


The belt wear description you give is still vague, are the "little nicks" on the flat side or the ribbed side of the belt? Micro V belts will have some graininess on the ribbed side and the back side will show signs of the fabric as the flat pulleys burnish the surface. Some Micro V belts have notched ribs so it can bend around pulleys with less wear.

Patient: “Doctor it hurts when I go like this”.
Doctor (Groucho Marx ): “Well then don't go like this”.

Really, holding the steering to the limit isn't advisable. The engine vibration is caused by the steering pump dragging the motor down due to high pressure at the limit, the noise could be anything from vibration to a failing tensioner.

Losing 4 to 500 RPM is a engine performance issue not a belt issue.

" The reason I went to mr.mb is the reputation, " I'm happy

" but didn't seem so good.. " I'm sad

" Thought it was cheap but " I'm happy

" At the end, he charged me double of what it was supposed to be. " I'm sad

" Still cheaper than other shops though " I'm happy

Bi polar car repair?"

Double of what he said it was estimated to be or after finding other problems , double of the repairs were needed? I find it hard to believe that specialty shop could miss quote a fan belt change by half. Unless. . . There were some other " I won't know what needs replaced until I have it apart " type repairs performed and you are lumping this into the belt change.


So you thought a belt change would cure the oil leak? Or, you are complaining that the oil leaks were caused by the belt change? Or you are complaining that the shop said the oil leaks were OK for a high mile old car. ( and you would complain about the cost to repair those leaks if given a estimate )


I had a speech to give to those that wanted to bring bought parts ( hint, to a one those that wanted to bring bought parts were problem customers that expected free work, would blame any new ills on the most recent repair and a would expect their neglected car to be " new and fully overhauled " when they had the spark plugs changed. )

Speech
"I do not put on bought parts, and here is why. . .
First, if the parts are wrong it ties up my shop.
Second, if the part fails, who gets blamed?. . . Usually the mechanic does.
Third, I make a mark up on parts,. . . I am entitled to make a living.
You will find that most, better garages, do not put on bought parts."

Now, there were specific instances where at my request I had loyal customers source parts only because the parts were a ordeal for me to source in the pre internet days ( Fiat Spyder for example )