Thread: Timing belt questions?

Originally Posted by tazd

Ive done the search on timing belts found most answers i wanted but here is a few that i couldn't find.
1.How hard is it to replace the timing belt yourself? done a few belts on other cars over the years
2. whats the cost of belt kits is this kit good? Land Rover Discovery/Defender 300TDI Timing Kit - eBay, Other Car Parts, Accessories, Car Parts, Accessories, Cars, Bikes, Boats. (end time 25-Oct-08 14:09:10 AEST)
3. was quoted $700 to do the timing belt would this be the better way to go?

Tazd,

That is the kit you want, (STC4096L)but it doesn't come with the front crank seal, you'll need one if you fit the front crank gear and it is a ERR4575.

$700 is fine IF they are fitting that kit you have linked to. If they are Just going to replace a belt, then it is a bitmuch

I ALWAYS replace the idler, tensioner, front seal, locknut and stud, and front crank gear if it isn't the 1 piece one like in that kit.

And yes, it is an easy job and if you've done others this one is no different. Just get a RAVE disc and all will be revealed.

JC

Originally Posted by tazd

1.How hard is it to replace the timing belt yourself? done a few belts on other cars over the years

I did mine for the first time just a couple of weeks ago. Like you, I had done timing chains and belts on other cars - they are all basically the same.

As long as you have all the tools (crank locking pin and a harmonic balancer puller included) you'll be fine.


Paul

It's a LOT easier than many other vehicles, including DOHC and transverse.
/Damien

It's easier than a Carolla or Astra

About the same as an industrial stationary engine like a Peugot (sp?) or Mitsubishi.

Once the radiator is out it's simple and if you have a rattle gun and the other good type tools it's even easier

I am no mechanic and just followed the guides. Difflock, Rave etc.

Read them like crazy for a few days to get it in my head.

Was much faster second time round (mates 300tdi) replacing crank seal & cam shaft seal etc.

Great fun when its your hobby car.

You can do it without pulling out the radiator but protect it with cardboard or thin ply/melamine. A little tighter for space but less gear to hook back up.

Did mine two weeks ago. I had my radiator out which made it much easier to get in there. Got all the way through and upon refitment realized I didn't have a new o-ring for the crankshaft.

The most difficult pert was trying to undo the pulley nut without a crank locker. Managed to get there in the end.