Thread: Spares to carry

It would depend on engine V8 or TD5, and transmission manual or auto.

I have a fuel pump, a crank sensor, all kind of tools, plenty of duct tape and the tester with me all the time.

Originally Posted by sierrafery

I have a fuel pump, a crank sensor, all kind of tools, plenty of duct tape and the tester with me all the time.

I also carry the above. Crank sensor is a must as it can just fail with no warning and leave you stranded. Fuel pump will often show signs before total failure.

I also have top hose and fan belts that live in the car, as well as the tools to remove the fan.

If your Disco has locking wheel nuts get rid of these and check the spare on the door for one.

I came undone when I removed mine and then ditched the tool, only to find when I removed the vinyl cover off the spare that there was a locking nut there.

Mick, I think it depends very much on where you are going and what kind of driving you are doing there.

If the vehicle is well maintained, for much local bush camping you will need very little. Keep in mind: more spares = more weight = more likely to break stuff.

My basic tool kit always includes basic stuff like fuel hose, duct tape, some electrical wire/connectors, CRC, cable ties etc. That self fusing Silicone tape is useful too. I also used to carry a serpentine belt, but not much more unless going remote.

For more remote trips, I carry spare hoses and filters, fluids and a drive shaft doughnut...but I've never had to use most of it...because I keep the car well serviced.

If you push your vehicle more hardcore.... you may want to be more prepared for breaking things... but generally I think most people take too much "just in case"

People say "have spare sensors".....If you are going remote - I'd carry a crank angle sensor..but not much else will totally stop you. In 11 years and about 300,000K of D2 ownership.... I had 1 crank angle sensor give up (around the corner from home)...no other sensor issues that stopped the vehicle.

One thing I never go far from home without - RACV Totalcare... very cheap insurance if you have a big problem long way from home.

Have your cooling system checked.
That radiator is now over ten years old.
service the auto.
join the racq then go out and have fun.

Thanks for your replies but can you tell me what a Crank Sensor does, cheers. Oh, and I drive a D2 Diesel auto.

Originally Posted by Mick Young

Thanks for your replies but can you tell me what a Crank Sensor does, cheers. Oh, and I drive a D2 Diesel auto.

The crank sensor, its correct name being crank angle sensor, tells the ECU at what the position the crank is at. I am guessing it is so that it knows when to open injectors.

When this fails the engine will stop. It is located in the bell housing on the drivers side about half way up where I assume it gets its info from the drive plate.

If you don't know the age of your crank position sensor I fit a new one before your trip and keep the original with you as a spare. Easier to change on a nice clean floor than out bush in mud and dust.

I also take 2.5ltrs of engine oil, transfer/diff oil and gearbox oil (Mines a manual), plus the relevant tools to open the fill points. A roll of cloth reinforced tape and a roll of silicon(repair) tape should be able to fix most if not all hose failures. A 5mtr roll of fence wire, electrical tape, cable ties. Depending on where you will be getting diesel a spare diesel filter may not be a bad idea. Along with a spare air filter, all depending on the type of roads you are going on, and if in convoy or not. A new 'fan' belt would also be a good thing to take, making sure you get the correct one for your car and a drawing of how it should be fitted.

Check your jack can lift the wheel clear of the ground before you go, nothing worse than getting a flat tyre only to find the jack has lost its lifting ability.