Props to AutoZone

[Highway Star]

I have this new ride, a 96 GMC Suburban 4wd, and was driving out of town company/family back from putt putt and such last week. I was at a red light and it felt like the air was losing its punch. It is brand new. Then, the temp started spiking and I lost power steering too.

I flung the belt off somehow, I knew it. Out of pure chance, AutoZone was right across the intersection. Yup, the belt was wound around the fan shaft. I went in for a belt and hopefully a ratchet to hold the tensioner. They had both, and I was on my way.

I got a half-mile down the road, and the same thing happened. I was a good distance from home, parked at a convenient store outside a bad neighborhood, and had women/children with me. It was about 4pm, and easily over 100 degrees with the burning sun and heat index.

The idler pulley was staring at me, with ground up pieces of bearing all over the place. The belt came off again, but because the idler pulley had completely cooked itself.

My wife was calling a friend to come gt her and the kids, take them to my place, pick up another car and tools, stop at the AutoZone up by my house, pick up parts, bring all the crap to me, etc. The friend was on her way in a minute or two.

I was sure AutoZone would have the parts, but I called my buddy at the one right by my house to have him gather everything for my wife. This is the point, right here. When I told him what I needed, he asked me where I was. He said he'd be out the door in 1 minute. He got in his personal truck, brought me the pulley, a belt, and the belt installing tool. He got there and left before my wife's friend ever showed up.

I went back to the store and squared up with him for the parts later that evening. I tried to pay him a few bucks for helping me out, and he just asked if I'd take him for a ride in my Chevelle sometime.