[AlfaAndy]

JoeCab,
I don't believe that anyone here stated that the engine had to be removed to perform the accessory drive belt service, on the 2.9.
I stated that I was told by a newly trained Alfa tech, that he was told in training, that to reseal the valve covers, the engine would have to be removed.
Andy

 

[inikkor]

After reading this thread I got a headache...

 

[MP55]

I am right in the process of changing the "serpentine belt" of my Q after 37.000 miles...
The dealer found what seems to me an excuse to skip the job (they did everything but changing the brake fluid AND the accesory drive belt during the last service). They stated that "it was not due"...c'mon...
So I asked a friend of mine (AR authorized mechanic) to do the job.
He told me it would have taken at least a couple of days.
He has started this morning...
I'll keep you in touch with all the details as soon as I know them.

 

[peczenij]

I am right in the process of changing the "serpentine belt".
So I asked a friend of mine (AR authorized mechanic) to do the job.
He told me it would have taken at least a couple of days.
He has started this morning...
I'll keep you in touch with all the details as soon as I know them.

Thanks
It would be awesome if you could get some photos of the process.

 

[MP55]

I am asking him to do it, even if I guess he is already taking a lot of pictures.
There are not so many 37.000 miles Q around (yet) so I think he wants to keep trace of the job.
:smile2:

 

[Verrilli]

I am right in the process of changing the "serpentine belt" of my Q after 37.000 miles...
The dealer found what seems to me an excuse to skip the job (they did everything but changing the brake fluid AND the accesory drive belt during the last service). They stated that "it was not due"...c'mon...
So I asked a friend of mine (AR authorized mechanic) to do the job.
He told me it would have taken at least a couple of days.
He has started this morning...
I'll keep you in touch with all the details as soon as I know them.

Maybe the dealer didn't do it because the service manual does say that it's only "recommended" to replace after 36,000 miles. I interpret this as "optional" under the warranty provisions. It says it's replacement is "mandatory" after 4 years.

 

[MP55]

Maybe the dealer didn't do it because the service manual does say that it's only "recommended" to replace after 36,000 miles. I interpret this as "optional" under the warranty provisions. It says it's replacement is "mandatory" after 4 years.

Good point!
In the Italian manual it says: "massimo consigliato 60.000 Km" that means that after 60.000 Km it becomes mandatory..."maximum recommended..."
Maybe the shade of meaning is a little bit more imperative...or not...
At least IMO.
But "better safe than sorry".

 

[MP55]

Work in progress...

 

[Verrilli]

Work in progress...

Why are the bumper off and headlights out? Is that necessary? I did't think the service manual procedure called for that.

 

[MP55]

Why are the bumper off and headlights out? Is that necessary? I did't think the service manual procedure called for that.

For what I know they are following the service manual procedure but I am not an expert and I could be wrong...
:smile2:

 

[MP55]

She came back today, fully serviced.
Perfect!
They told me that the most "delicate" procedure was to change the brake fluid and re-caliber the system (carbon-ceramic brakes), involing three people and a PC.
The serpentine belt change only took a lot of time but the job was not particularly difficult.
Re-assembling what was in front of the engine (air ducts, intercoolers, intercoolers frame, for example) was the most tedious part of it, requesting hours.
Finally the cost: the service was performed in two different moments.
The dealer did not go through the whole checklist, skipping the brake fluid and the serpentine belt change.
These jobs were done by an AR mechanic in a different garage (he is a friend of mine).
The combined cost is 1373€ (695 + 678) that means about 1600 US dollars.
The car is perfect: no noises (rattles or squeaks or any noise) and, what matters, no warning lights of any kind.
The acceleration seems more prompt and the brakes, now, react immediately even if they are cold.
I don't know if it's due to some kind of "calibration" but the improvement is so evidentthat I had to..."recalibrate" my foot.
What to say...
I was worried, looking at the disassembled car but now I am very satisfied.

 

[EricVonHa]

Why are the bumper off and headlights out? Is that necessary? I did't think the service manual procedure called for that.

It could probably be done with the bumper in place. Though, removing the bumper only takes 15 minutes and makes the access to everything else a snap from there.

 

[John_K_348]

Good to hear and good points on the bumper. It may also be a good way to preserve the finish and avoid scuffs. PPF also helps that way.

 

[nbview]

MP55, thanks for this information! One question: how did the serpentine belt look? Do you think 36k miles is about right for replacement?

 

[MP55]

MP55, thanks for this information! One question: how did the serpentine belt look? Do you think 36k miles is about right for replacement?

Good question.
I did not investigate about the serpentine belt consumption taking for granted that it had to be changed.
I know that the new belts (EPDM) do not show cracks or wearings but the grooves tend to enlarge.
I am asking my friend about its wearing and I'll report here.

 

[MP55]

OK, he was faster than the light: he just called me...
Only a minimal consumption of the grooves but no signs of a incipient danger.
Maybe the belt would have lasted 10.000 miles more or even better.
But, as they say, better safe than sorry.
I add a couple of pics of the car during the process of changing it, taken by his Facebook page.
He told me that the bumper could have stayed in place but he preferred to take it off to spare the finish, as John_K_348 guessed.

BTW, what's also interesting is the fact that the oldest Qs have some fabric, heat resistent tape to prevent the edge of many plastic nets that wrap many tubing to become frayed.
For what I know the new ones, instead, have some plastic ties.

 

[Hoooper]

MP55, thanks for this information! One question: how did the serpentine belt look? Do you think 36k miles is about right for replacement?

You can see the belt relatively well in the pictures he posted. It looks pristine, almost certainly did not need to be replaced based on what can be seen in the pictures. Not surprising, most owners of newer cars are putting 150k + miles in their original belts without issue

 

[Vml]

Do anyone here know if this service is easier on the 2019 models? I ask because in the engine 3D picture at https://www.alfaromeousa.com/cars/giulia/quadrifoglio the aluminum structure/cover in front of the engine looks different than the original and is perhaps easier to remove.

 

[Yaibal]

Do anyone here know if this service is easier on the 2019 models? I ask because in the engine 3D picture at https://www.alfaromeousa.com/cars/giulia/quadrifoglio the aluminum structure/cover in front of the engine looks different than the original and is perhaps easier to remove.

Based off the engine cover I think that may be the Stelvio QV packaging.

 

[Verrilli]

I'm getting close to the 30K miles service and I'm suspecting they'll insist that the belt be changed. A couple questions
1. What's the going price for this?
2. Has anyone done this themselves? Has anyone seen DIY instructions or video? I've done many accessory belts and timing belts in the past on other cars so I do have experience.