Why does my Geo still have a noisy belt after replacing brand new alternator?

Harmonic balancer was failing. Had it replaced. Cost an arm and a leg but at least it's fixed. Glad I had the noise to know because the whole engine could have been destroyed. This is one part surely misunderstood and not to overlook!

Actually that's not an uncommon failure at all .. However it IS uncommon on the Toyota engine that is in your Prizm. Just to let others know > A good quality aftermarket balancer 'should' cost around $85.00 to $110.00 and labor to replace the balancer 'should' be no more than one hour! .. Prices may certainly vary .. Thanks for the reply .. Glad you have it fixed!

Good luck on finding a competent mechanic to pin point the problem and do it for under $300. My job cost over $400. You may find a gas station to do it for your listed price quote, but they'll also replace and charge the customer for belts and who knows what else in the process.

As I stated > [Prices may certainly vary] .. Just did the same repair on a 98 Chevy Lumina for $285.00 total... You're right, the trick to it is finding a reputable repair shop with a long term record of having competent mechanics! .. I'm positive it's different here in rural southwest Virginia than other places as far as auto repair cost goes .. That said, we've been doing just fine at it for 'several' years now, at the rates we charge!