notched belt

[benben10]

Hi guys, ive just been out and topped up the oil and then underneath to wipe up the leaks/drips. while poking around under the bonnet i noticed a notched belt with two notches missing... standing at the front of the car its the belt under right hand side of the intercooler looks like its running a pump?
Has anyone changed this and whats the level of difficulty...

Thanks!

[Dollywobbler]

That sounds like the pump belt, in which case you'd better change it pronto. Not too difficult, though getting the new belt on can apparently be a struggle and access will be improved by removing the intercooler. If the belt fails, it's goodbye steering, suspension and brakes.

[benben10]

thought it was something important! ... will get a belt and fit ASAP, was just a bit aprehensive about taking things apart then being stranded at work... Not too difficult sounds good.
thanks for your help

[Dollywobbler]

Just loosen the adjuster bolt, which allows you to move the pump closer to the pulley. As I say, I know some people have found that the new belt is a struggle to fit - that's the only problem I can forsee. Bear in mind that the tension needs to be really high or it'll slip - far higher than an alternator belt. Take a long bar to give you some leverage.

[citronut]

as Ian says but not only loosen the top adjuster 11mm nut and bolt, but also the 14mm pump pivot nut below the pump and towards the battery, and the adjuster arm/bracket 11mm bolt/nut,

fitting the new belt you might nave to move/pivot the pump on its pivot bolt to obtain enough clearance, for the new belt to go between the two pulleys,

also as Ian says it needs to be very tight

regards malcolm

[rutter123]

Very important to use a good quality belt and always carry a new spare belt in the boot, you really dont want to be caught out, as the guys above said this runs the hyd pump which powers your suspension, steering and brakes, fairly simple to change the belt just make sure you dont fracture or damage the metal pipe which connects to the flow valve or you will loose all your LHM in seconds.

[benben10]

thanks for the warnings/advice, i will take plenty of time this weekend, the thought of breaking a pipe is making me nervous! Will also carry a spare as a 'just in case' then if it goes again get the RAC guy to fit it.

[citronut]

the way to make sure not to brake the main pump feed pipe, is just slacken the 12mm flair/pipe nut that goes into the bottom engine side of the pump,

dont forget to nip it back up after you have fitted the belt

regards malcolm

ps.
were are you located

[benben10]

Thanks, i will print all this info off before i start. Im in central Leicester (Midlands) with permit parking, no garage/driveway so have to do all repairs at work in the car park.
Its not too bad as i have keys to the building so have access to a kettle!

[KevR]

Certainly not a job to be scared of - my wife managed it in a motorway services just after we got the grey one!

[benben10]

wow! thats put me to shame lol