1998 Mazda 626 LX 2.0L 4cylinder engine. Returning back to the guest house after dropping a friend off at the airport that evening, after getting off the interstate, I heard a crack (followed by a grinding noise) from the passenger's side of the engine. Within moments as I slowed the car to a safe spot, I heard a whipping noise from the same region. That later happened to be the serpentine and alternator belts both broke just after exiting the interstate, the engine and battery lights came on at once.., and then, immediately after that, the engine stopped working. I called my insurance and had my car towed to the guest house. The car was looked at and the diagnoses were the gears in the water pump were broken which froze the alternator belt, the alternator belt-now stiffened- shredded and mangled the serpentine belt. Then the serpentine belt tore along the grooved lines. Plus, the engine is now leaking coolant. Repairs"??? I am waiting for the estimate to come in. I have been warned that it would not be cheap to fix. $500-$700 I asked" nope! he said, after letting out a chuckle..., much higher he replied. At least $1000 or more.

- Elkhart, IN, USA