Forum:
Hi
I am new to 4 wheel drive ownership with a '99 Fourtrak TDX with 51K miles. I want to change the timing belt but know very little about the process on this vehicle. Do I need any special tools i.e. to lock the fuel pump pulley? Is it advisable to remove the radiator? Is it true that only the genuine timing belts have the necessary timing marks?
Thanks
Timing belt
Hi, the Diesel engine has the following belts which need regular monitoring / replacement: Fan belt, Power steering belt and aircon belt. These can be accessed without removing the radiator. The fan belt is the most important and as murphy will have it it requires removing the other two to access this belt. You will need to access the belts from beneath the car (remove the guard plate first) as well as from above (remove some easy bits here first too). Not special tools other than a set of spanners.
I hope this bit of info helps .... I found this out the hard way when my fan/timing belt broke on the highway.
Fewer skinned knuckles if you remove the rad.
Your choice, but it's much easier if you remove the radiator. You can see what you are doing and can get a 3-leg puller onto the crankshaft pulley if it's a bit tight.