Freelander cam and pump belt change
 

I've got a Dec. 1999 Freelander and have just taken it in to the main agent to have the above belts changed. I've had a look at the Haynes manual and there doesn't seem to be anything particularly difficult in it, other than just a lot of work, and needing as special tools only a pin to lock the camshaft and pump in the right position while the work is carried out and another simple-looking device to separate the drive shaft from the hub.
I decided to have it done by the main dealer mainly for the sake of getting a better price for it when I sell the car, but I still can't help wondering if other people have done the job themselves, and if so, was it worth it?
Cheers
John
PS There's a fair bit of work involved, the weight of the engine has to be supported while the engine mount is removed, and one of the drive shafts has to be removed (or possibly disconnected at the hub end only) so as to allow the new belts to be fitted around the crank pulley. They say it's a four hour job and are charging £376, that's approx just over $700. The later TD4 has a chain instead of a belt, it would be tempting to use a riveted or split link although I don't know if they would be as reliable. LR say that the belts should be renewed at 45,000mls and the TD4 chain renewed when it gets worn.
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Johnefyn

[This message has been edited by John Roberts (edited 03 December 2004).]

Anybody looking?
If so:
Well, I had the job done by the professionals. Conwy Landrover. Next morning it was reluctant to start. And the following morning too, though ok during the day. Phoned them up, mentioning possibility of having the cogs one tooth out. No sir, not possible, there are these pins, you see, they lock the camshaft and injector pump in their correct relative positions.
We had their loan car for five days.
So what was the fault? er, the cogs were out of step but only by one tooth, sir. No charge.
British Engineering, my arse.

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Johnefyn

I am pretty sure it is their fault. I would really insist 'till they correct their mistake.
Send them a notice letter demanding that they correct their mistake within the next 10 working days. If they don't do anything call an car expert to see what is the problem.

Good luck !

Oops sorry It seems I didn't really get your message (my bad English...) ;-) so our problem is now solved, right ?

Hi, Nicos
Thanks for your reply, and, don't worry, I just had a look at the way I had written my post and I must admit I could have put it a little more clearly.

The truth is, probably, that you are far better at speaking my language than I am at speaking yours (unless you happen to speak Welsh, that is!)

And yes, the car starts fine in the mornings now.
Best wishes
John


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Johnefyn