Wasn't sure exactly where to post this, so.. well.. here will do.
Okay, so I was parking my car and all of a sudden I start hearing this crazy squeeling sound, I was in the middle of a busy car park so I drove it like 20m and left it on the side of the street. Upon inspected, none of my belts were spinning. Well.. they came and went and then eventually stopped completely.
However, the car still idled fine (except for the squeeling sound) and still is capable of driving (just with no alternator, AC, power steering, water pump, etc). It goes forward and backward and still starts.
The only conclusion I've reached is that something has gone wrong with the harmonic balancer as that is capable of causing all the belts to stop.
Since then, I've had it in a workshop and they've told me something to do with the woodruff key f**ked up. This to me doesn't make sense. These don't just come loose (as far as I'm aware) since they're machined fit and are held in by a number of other factors. But possibly he meant the harmonic balancer bolt that goes into the crankshaft (possibly not tightened properly)? He has told me that the harmonic balancer is stuffed and will need replacing and the crankshaft is damaged.
Another thing I don't understand is how the crankshaft is damaged and why bill is estimated at 1/4 of 5 digits.
Can any of you share your wisdom. Any ideas are greatly appreciated. Thank you.