Hi there,

I've just got myself a 'new' X308 (well, new to me anyway!). It's a 1997 XJR.

I need to get the auxillary drive belt and supercharger drive belt replaced (belts replacement was flagged up as an advisory at the last service, and now there is a definite squeak coming from one of them). There seems to be a huge price variation between OE belts and aftermarket. Will aftermarket due the job, or is it best to stick with OE? Also, when changing belts is it necessary to renew any other components (tensioners, etc.) at the same time?

All advice appreciated! Thanks.

 

I buy belts from my local or online aftermarket sources. No complaints, usually Gates.

Check the idlers/tensioners to see if they turn smoothly. They often need replacing because previous owners can't be bothered.

 

i used goodyear gatorbacks on my xjr. Any decent brand should be fine.

Unless you know history of tensioner, not a bad idea to replace.

 

I ordered these from Amazon for my X308 2000 XJR:

Gates K070922 Multi V-Groove Belt, $25.79 (drive or accessory belt), ref
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...i-know-139901/

Gates K080514 V-Belt, $32.20 (supercharger belt), ref
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...lacement-42373
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-gates-107980/

I'm doing the pulley bearings (not the pulleys and tensioners) according to this topic ...
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...acement-65171/

This was a useful topic to read also ...
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...00-xjr-110782/

 

Thanks to all - appreciated! And special thanks to Auspuff for providing all of those links. I wouldn't have thought of simply changing worn bearings, but it certainly makes sense. At present I'm just waiting to find out which engine I have fitted in my car before I can order the belts: car was new in Nov. 1997 but had a replacement engine under factory warranty (Nikasil problems) in Feb. 2001. Not sure whether that makes the replacement a 'late' engine or not? Several people I have spoken to here have recommended Gates belts, so once I establish the parts numbers I'll go ahead and order them. Thanks again for the advice!

 

Credit goes to Sean B for the bearing change info, not me .

 

Early cars like your are fitted with the AJ26 engine minus the VVT's (Variable valve Timing Units) which are fitted to NA (Normally Aspirated) engines....yours is super charged.
The cars after Sept. '99 were fitted with AJ27 engines.

Look at the throttle body...AJ26 engines have a black round vacuum unit for the cruise control attached....AJ27 engines do not as their cruise control is fully electronic.

The normal life span of the serpentine belts is 100K and its normal service practice to replace the idlers along with the belts.

The original ones were plastic and wear along with the belts.
The later update tensioner pulleys are metal and these should be fitted.
I have used Gates belts with no problems but several manufacturers make them and are acceptable ;o)

 

Here's the part numbers for Goodyear belts I found on Amazon. I ordered Gates myself but from comments I read, Goodyear also seem to have a good reputation, and are even preferred by some.

Goodyear 4070923 Gatorback Poly-V Belts $26.16. Main or auxiliary drive belt says Amazon, not supercharger belt. I can't remember if I confirmed part number.

Goodyear 4080515 Gatorback Poly-V Belts $22.45. Supercharger belt says Amazon.

Or just follow this breadcrumb trail on Amazon and you'll get a list of ones that fit (16 when I tried) ...

Automotive > Replacement Parts > Belts, Hoses & Pulleys > Belts > (filter by vehicle) 2000 Jaguar XJR

You need to have your make, model, year saved in the Amazon Garage to do the last "filter by vehicle" step.

 

I have always used Continental belts, I think they provide a lot of OEM belts to manufacturers. I bought one for our XJ8 for about $24 if I recall. (Accessory belt)

Just my 2 cents

 

A wealth of really useful information here - thanks folks!

And thanks xjay8 for explaining the visible distinction between the AJ26 and AJ27 engines. Obviously my car would have had the earlier AJ26 when it was built, but the present engine was a factory replacement in February 2001 and so that may well be the AJ27 type? I shall take a closer look at that throttle body tomorrow!