My 2005 997S is approaching the 6-year mark since it's original delivery date. Even though I only have 38k miles, the owner's manual mentions the drive belt should be replaced every 6 years or 60k miles.

Has anyone done this yet? Should I go by 6 years and do it now or wait until I hit 60k miles?

About how much does this service run? I'm still using my local Porsche dealership for service, but know they will suggest it now - just want an unbiased opinion. Thanks!

 

Get it done now. It's a 5 year old++ piece of rubber in service every time you drive the car. Cheap insurance and an easy DIY. Took me 30 mins. Here's a nice diagram to show the belt loop configuration. Use a 1/2 in drive and 24mm socket head. The pulley is pretensioned for easy removal.

If your dealer takes care of you it should be no more than an hour labor and maybe $45 for the belt should you choose to have them do it.

 

Good post.. I hope there's a post like this for the DFI motors a couple years from now. I've been told the 60K mile service on a DFI motor is $1200.

 

How do you know how much to tighten it

 

You do not tighten...it has a tensioner!
Once installed,and you think it is on/done......go under your car and check the two bottom pulleys from underneath the car,just to make sure that the belt IS in the groove..if it is not PERFECTLY set in that groove you will shred the belt !
I shredded one by NOT checking this!

Hope that helps,

Stacy

 

Lol i wasent planning on doing it myself haha just curious

 

Hattrick: Nice post. Thanks.

 

The 60K service at my local dealership for a 997.1 is $1450. You DFI guys have all the luck!

 

Does this require removal of any of the exhaust components? Or is that for the timing belt I'm thinking of...is there a difference?

 

This has to be the easiest car to change the belt in. Remove the air box and it is right there. Easier than an oil change. Might not even get your hands dirty.