Customer told me his engine noise was 'just a belt' and I proved him wrong with a screwdriver trick

Had a guy roll in last Tuesday with a 2014 Ford Focus claiming his serpentine belt was chirping. Listened for 2 seconds with a long screwdriver to the alternator bearing and knew it was toast. He argued for 10 minutes until I showed him the play in the pulley. Why do people think they can diagnose stuff without even owning a stethoscope?

2 comments

2 Comments

zara_hill461mo agoTop Commenter

I get where you're coming from but I see it a bit different. A customer who thinks it's just a belt is still way closer than someone who'd ignore it completely and blame the radio. At least he was paying attention to a noise and trying to help, even if he got the part wrong.

willow_garcia28d ago

Honestly, that's such a GOOD point!