TDi3 - noise from fan belt area

Hi guys,

My OH has some deluded idea I am a mechanical expert (having done tech drawings for dumper engines as a holiday job really does NOT fit me for this role!).

This morning the engine started making an 'orrible noise - sounded sort of burble-y from inside, outside with the bonnet up it was more of a rattle/grind. Source of noise *appears* to be the large wheel at the head of the fanbelt system. OH for some reason has been averse to buying a Haynes manual for the Disco (possibly in the belief that means I won't ask him to work on it!!), so I'm not 100% certain what that is (told you I not actually mechanical) but from reading other posts on this forum, it appears to be the alternator.

Fan belt was new 10,000 miles ago, but has been prone to bouts of squeaking (noticeably after driving through the Doncaster floods) - not sure if this is relevant or just co-incidental. Squeak hasn't been noticeably apparent on a continual basis, though.

Question is, what bearing is it (I'm guessing that's what it is from the noise/area), and can I still drive it today before it can be got to the boys at Tuff Toys (15 miles) tomorrow?

Captain Povey

If the belt has been previously squeaking it may be that the belt is past its best, a quick check for this sis to spray the belt with a drop of wd40 and see if the belt then runs quieter, if this makes no difference then it is probably a bearing gone, possibly alternator or water pump.

I had a simelar problem with my 300 TDi, it turned out to be the belt tensioner, (the large wheel at the top of the belt pullys) as this is a non servicable part, the whole unit has to be replaced.

The job is quite simple, but before buying the replacement part, loosen the belt by placing a large spanner over the centre nut in the tensioner, rotate the spring loaded tensioner, when the pully is free, it is a simple assesment to see if the bearings are starting to collapse.

Good luck with the troubleshooting, p.s. a Haynes manual is good or try, landrovermanuals.com for a cd version of the Land Rover manual for Disco's, Freelander and Range rover Classic.