Pulley belt (3rd gen)

[framey]

Hi peeps,
my steering went all heavy last night.  Turned out to be - no pulley belt!

Anyone have any experience with replacing these?
I\'m in Ireland at the moment and am a bit concerned about how I\'m going to get another one.
OK, questions........
Are they the same as any other model?
How\'s the best way to replace it?
What sort of tension should I be looking at?
What else does it drive apart from the Power steering pump?

Thanks

[framey]

Ok. did the job today myself - very easy it only took about 10 minutes and all I needed was a 10mm socket.

I was amazed to get not one but two of the correct belts (one spare)! Only â,¬15 each. While I\'m on a roll, have ordered a spare alternator belt too. (btw, what\'s the other unit this drives?)

Took a guess at the tension and am now a very happy (mobile) bunny!!

I must admit I approach any diy jobs on my car with trepidation as if I break anything, the consequences could be dire- never mind expensive. So I\'m very chuffed!

[maximtaylor]

The other belt powers water pump and air pump in addition to the alternator.

When you\'ve done a belt change once you do wonder what all the fuss is about!

I keep a spare alternator belt in the boot all the time because whilst you can go without air con and power steering, you can\'t go without your water pump!

Even a muppet like me has learnt to do a few things myself!!!

Oil & filter changes are another easy one to do if you have access to a pit or a ramp.

Regards

Max

[J4P RX]

Oil and filter is easy to do with the standard tools in the back of the boot!  Thats all I use, along with a rubber glove which helps loads

Lee

[maximtaylor]

I thought the rubber gloves were for something else Lee

If you want a little challenge framey, have a go at doing your spark plugs - that\'s a tester!

If you can do them yourself then thats alot of your routine servicing taken care of

Then there\'s brake pads.........

Regards

Max

[J4P RX]

Thats my next two jobs on the list.  Do I need anything specific (bear in mind I have almost no tools so im buying things for the work as and when needed).

Cheers
Lee

[maximtaylor]

A Good socket set should do it, but make sure a nice short stubby one is included because there ain\'t alot of room for socket and hand by the plugs

Pads are easy, again socket set, free caliper from its mount, push out the pistons to make room for the new pads (on front), rear brakes you will need a special tool to wind in the pistons to fit new pads.

Regards

Max

[GaryS]

On the read pads do you need the special tool (and where do you get it from), or is there a hex winder bolt on the rear of the caliper (like on a MX-5) ?

I will have to learn brake pad changing, but that\'s because I\'ve already been seen doing it in the pits and paddocks of many a UK racing circuit.

[framey]

Spark plugs - whoa! I had a look the other day and I couldn\'t even see them!

All I can see is some sort of plug lead at the back of the engine - is this the distributor?

I used to do all my servicing when I didn\'t have two pennies to rub together so I have the ability......just a bit frightened if things go wrong - if I break something there\'s a very good chance that the local motor factors or scrappy wont be able to help me out :-(

No doubt I\'ll get around to doing this sort of stuff, but not yet, not yet!!
Cheers