replace fan belt? big job?

My fan belt squeaks on wet mornings and I'm thinking of getting it replaced but how much am I looking at for this job for parts and labour. Just a ball park figure so when I take it to my usual garage they ain't ripping me off.

Thanks

I take it its just the accessory your changing...if so then its a 30min job at the very most. Have to undo 4 bolts to take the viscus van off, then pull the tensioner back with some brut force.

If you were closer i would do it for you, but i wouldnt pay more than £50 all in.

Easy job to do.

There is a bolt on the drive belt tensioner pulley, if you use a spanner or socket on this and turn clockwise it will release the tension on the belt. You might be able to replace the belt without removing the fan.

see here and here and here

but remember not to lean on the fan shround....snap if you do!

I learnt the hard way

its a 30min job at the very most. Have to undo 4 bolts to take the viscus van off

Just put a 14mm socket with decent length breaker bar (for the leverage) on the belt tensioner pulley's centre nut and rotate the tensioner clockwise.

oh i see, then just put take the belt off over the actual fan and pulley...i didnt think about this really as i was doing the cambelt and water pump at the same time so it all had to come off!

yes it is easy but a gotcha is shearing the 14mm bolt (as my 'friend' once did ).

You need to try and apply the leverage from imo a horizontal plain (3 o'clock if viewing from the front of the car) or lower (ideally in the 6 o'clock positon - but this requires removal of the undertray which is simple but takes time)

yes it is easy but a gotcha is shearing the 14mm bolt (as my 'friend' once did ).

 

You need to try and apply the leverage from imo a horizontal plain (3 o'clock if viewing from the front of the car) or lower (ideally in the 6 o'clock positon - but this requires removal of the undertray which is simple but takes time)

Good advice.

The natural thing to do is attack the bolt from as close to vertical as possible. This has the effect of tightening the bolt as well as rotating the tensioner.

Anybody got a step by step picture tutorial for idiots?

MArks post, up there ^^^^^ does.

For extra thrill points, take the old belt off without looking at it, then try to work out how the new belt goes round everything.

MArks post, up there ^^^^^ does.

 

For extra thrill points, take the old belt off without looking at it, then try to work out how the new belt goes round everything.

I did that! Then the missus spotted the handy diagram stuck on the inside of the bonnet. How stupid did I feel right then?

but remember not to lean on the fan shround....snap if you do!

 

I learnt the hard way

yep, but they can break as they get very brittle so be careful, even CW did that to mine! ah he wont like me saying that

yep, but they can break as they get very brittle so be careful, even CW did that to mine! ah he wont like me saying that

I bet he fixed it good for you though

I use a strong screwdriver and lever the tensioner out of the way, saves the worry of snapping the stud. I just put pressure onto the top (metal) part of the tensioner and pull up on the screwdriver.

However I don't have the viscous fan anymore, so that might help.