☰
GET A QUOTE

Q: Metal wheel broke in half and belt laying on top of it..

asked by on June 27, 2016

Hello my name is Kayla. My 97 malibu have given me so much trouble lately. Two weeks ago my car started to make a God awful sound and plasic burning smell. Well just last night i was driving it and the sound was louder than I have ever heard it then all of a sudden it felt like it spit somthung out and make turning it almost impossible. So this morning I popped the hood and my metal wheel next to my power steering and belt completely broke in half and my belt is laying on top of the broken wheel. I really don't know what happens or what is going on is this fixable? I really need some answers.....
My car has an automatic transmission.

Recommended Services

Water Pump Pulley Replacement $107.10 - $591.23 Get a Quote
Or For Any Other Auto Repairs Get a Quote

I can tell you that this is fixable. Without seeing this in person I am unsure which pulley has caused the failure but I would think it is either the water pump or tensioner pulley.

I can only suggest having a mobile mechanic come and diagnose the problem and replace your water pump pulley or belt tensioner pulley if my suspicions are correct. Do not attempt to drive it or you may overheat or damage more components.

Chevrolet
belts
smells
Malibu
1997
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Can I attach a camper to truck?
Whether or not you can attach a camper to your vehicle depends on your specific vehicle. Luckily, check inside the glove box for a large label. This is the ‘Loading Information’ label that will tell you if a slide-in camper...
Read more
I was told by my mechanic I needed to replace the front left wheel bearing over a month ago, how long can I wait to replace it?
Hey there, thanks for writing in about your 2006 Audi A4 Quattro. As the bearing gets noisy, you will notice the noise get louder and you may get to a point of the wheel seizing or wobbling on the highway....
Read more
Battery dies after jump start after turning key off. Battery? Alternator? No dimming lights no dashboard dimming. Battery maybe?
Hello. If the vehicle is running fine as you drive around then the alternator should be fine. This is usually caused by a bad battery (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/battery-replacement). It sounds like it is accepting a jump but it is not accepting charge...
Read more
What would cause the AWD to lock up without any indicator lights?
Hi, thanks for your question. Did the technicians inspect the differential fluid for signs of damage? The vehicle maintenance program lists the differential and transfer case fluid to be inspected at 40,000 miles. You can ask the dealership personnel if...
Read more
Power steering assist fault - 2013 Ford Explorer
Hi there. There is a Ford Recall (#14V286000 (http://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Explorer/2012/recalls/)) regarding your electrically-assisted power steering. This is directly related to the problems you are experiencing, and can also cause momentary loss of power assist. I would check with Ford to have...
Read more
Power steering stiffness after brake work
Usually when brakes pads are replaced and the rotors surfaced, it may make the brakes feel stiff for a while until they wear in, but it shouldn't impact the power steering at all. The only thing I could think of...
Read more
Engine swap? Have both VIN numbers don't want to buy if not compatible 2000 saturn LS2
Hi there - since the engine type is "R" for both VINs (position 8 in the VIN), yes, these engines should be compatible. I would recommend using the engine management (computer) and engine wiring harness from the donor vehicle, just...
Read more
Conversion kits and price on 2011 jeep grand cherokee. From air to coil suspension
Unfortunately, we don't provide mechanical services on aftermarket upgrades or offer technical advise on those installations. I would recommend contacting a Jeep suspension specialist shop to online owner forum to receive the info you're requesting.
Read more
I have a 2002 Acura tl 3.2, what can cause the car to do this? Hesitates and then surges con't without my foot on gas pedal.
First check to see if any OBD-II codes have set. A real time scanner can be used to check the operation of the throttle position sensor - TPS (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-throttle-position-sensor). TPS faults are a common cause of the symptoms you are...
Read more

Related articles

Common Signs Your Drive Belt Is Misaligned
Drive Drive belt problems usually manifest as noise. If you have a noisy drive belt, it’s important to know what’s causing it so that it can be fixed. That means you have to listen. If the drive belt or serpentine...
Read more
How to Get the Smoke Smell Out of Your Car
If you smoke in your car it can lead to bad smells. Use baking soda and fabric freshener on car upholstery to remove the smoke smell from your car.
Read more
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Power Steering Belt
If you hear strange noises coming from the front of your vehicle or the power steering belt looks worn, have your power steering belt replaced.
Read more

Browse other content

Cities
Maintenance
Services
Estimates