Replacing an Endless Fan Belt

[bbuzz Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close bbuzz]

I am now the proud owner of a 2008 Diesel Prado; upgraded from the KZ; and have the problem of what spare(s) to carry to replace the endless fan belt.
Easy on the older vehicles as they have one for each job!

I have used the panty hose trick on them too but it doesn't look like I can do that with this one.

How do other people fix the fan belt in an emergency?

bill

[Anth120playdo Banned Find all posts View Profile Close Anth120playdo]

The serpentine belts are pretty good and rarely break.
If its deteriorated (cracked) it should be replaced.
Usually you will see signs of deterioration well before these belts break.
Unless you have other problems, like a dodgy idler bearing or air-con compressor etc.
If that happens you need more than a belt.

If your vehicle is serviced properly, that's what a service is, preventative maintenance, safety check, reliability etc.
There's not really much you need to carry, as they are pretty reliable and its what you don't have is what it will need.

To be sure if you just change it every 100,000klms, they last much longer.

[bbuzz Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close bbuzz]

The serpentine belts are pretty good and rarely break.
If its deteriorated (cracked) it should be replaced.
Usually you will see signs of deterioration well before these belts break.
Unless you have other problems, like a dodgy idler bearing or air-con compressor etc.
If that happens you need more than a belt.

If your vehicle is serviced properly, that's what a service is, preventative maintenance, safety check, reliability etc.
There's not really much you need to carry, as they are pretty reliable and its what you don't have is what it will need.

To be sure if you just change it every 100,000klms, they last much longer.

Thanks #############,
Thats about the approach I use with the Timing Belt. I don't think anyone has invented a rubber belt that will last 150,000km.

Will make sure I do a visual at every service.

bill

[DocK Member Find all posts View Profile Close DocK]

Just a bit of heads up on this. If it starts to squeal it is slipping, best change it then. Carrying a spare is easy, just slip it in beside the jack. Make sure you have the right socket for the auto tensioner - it is 15mm, in my 2007 model. Unless you are Hercules, a standard socket handle is pretty difficult! I found it much easier to release the auto tensioner with an extension bar - I use my hand winch handle over the socket handle and that makes the job a breeze. But then again I am a bit of an old codger.
Cheers
DocK

[simcott Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close simcott]

Dock
I have an 08 120, I was wondering how you release the idler, in what direction. On Mine I can get the 14mm socket on the idler central nut but it is very tight and I don't want to risk busting something. Is there some release nut that I have to loosen before trying the central nut?
Cheer
Simcott

[Razorback81 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Razorback81]

Dock
I have an 08 120, I was wondering how you release the idler, in what direction. On Mine I can get the 14mm socket on the idler central nut but it is very tight and I don't want to risk busting something. Is there some release nut that I have to loosen before trying the central nut?
Cheer
Simcott

i think Dock has moved on

are you trying to remove the idler or fit a new fan belt?

[simcott Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close simcott]

fan belt removal

i think Dock has moved on

are you trying to remove the idler or fit a new fan belt?

Thanks Razorback, I just want to be able to replace the belt in the field if it breaks and I was looking for instruction on how it is done.
I gather it just takes a good deal of force to move the idler over with a socket and a long bar.
Sorry for taking over a year to realize some kind person replied to my question.
Regards

[Razorback81 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Razorback81]

yes it has quite some tension
trying to keep that much belt in tension needs a reasonable amount of force ( i think mine is 2.3m long with the endless air pump fitted )

the pulley you need to use is the one at the bottom
( 3 smaller pulleys almost vertical above each other )
it is 15mm socket ( i just went and checked mine and tried the direction for you )
and turn it towards the battery to loosen the tension on the belt !!

[gspy4u Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close gspy4u]

changed my belt at 180,000k and was still fine (noisy pulley). Started to show signs of cracks but only minor ones. Now just keep the old one as a spare just in case but doubt i will ever need it.

[Supa Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Supa]

yes it has quite some tension
trying to keep that much belt in tension needs a reasonable amount of force ( i think mine is 2.3m long with the endless air pump fitted )

the pulley you need to use is the one at the bottom
( 3 smaller pulleys almost vertical above each other )
it is 15mm socket ( i just went and checked mine and tried the direction for you )
and turn it towards the battery to loosen the tension on the belt !!

Hey mate, I know this is old thread but.. when I try this the nut on the tensioner pulley comes loose and starts to unscrew??