by karlf » Wed Oct 14, 2009 12:17 am
Never done it myself. But having had a water pump changed before (more than once over the years) the other bits that were done at the same time were the timing belt, the power steering belt and the alternator belt. Its recommended you change all the belts and the water pump at the same time. You say your timing belt is ok so I'd definately change the other 2 (they are about €15 each and are available in southside motor factors, camskill etc), but would advise you do the timing belt as it is probably the only way you will know for definate when it would be due for a change (ie when its done the recommended milage). Its probably an added expense you could do without (in these recessionary times), but if possible I would do it to be on the safe side. It would cost a lot more to repair the damage done by a timing belt snapping.
I did the alternator belt and the p/s belt myself (with a little guidence from my cousin {a mechanic}) so if I can do it you sould have no problem. Locate the tensioner pulleys (iirc there is one for each belt one to the front and one to the back, easy to identify as they are smooth and the others have grooves in them), loosen the bolt holding it in place (if possible mark its postion or count how many turns it takes to get it off this will allow you to get the same tension on the new ones) take off the old belts (if they are still on it) taking note of the route/which pulleys they go around. Put the new belts on and re-tighten the bolt on each tensioner pulley that holds it in place. Do a search I think there is a guide for doing the ps and alternator belts.
Last edited by
karlf on Wed Oct 14, 2009 12:28 am, edited 1 time in total.