I got some belt squeal the other day and I want to change all the appropriate belts together. I have received some contradictory info so I know that coming to this forum I will get the straight scoop. First, my understanding is that there are 2 belts (serpentine and supercharger) on my 2002 XKR and that the serpentine is used for AC also, is that correct? Also, I have been told that there was a new design for the belt tensioner and idle pulley and that in order to change the belts, I also need new tensioner and pulley, please say it aint so? Any other caveats or advice are appreciated. Thanks

 

Britparts offers a kit with eveything in one kit.See the link;

http://www.britishparts.co.uk/.sc/ms...ENSIONER%20KIT

 

If you are in the US, Contact ken@britishparts.com or jagtechohio, they are both are regular members on this forum.

 

Im glad the kit seems to be pretty reasonable and it includes the supercharger belt but what about the serpentine, does that also need changing?

 

I like the now thing! Being stranded to save a few dollars now makes no sense to me.

 

Gus, I dont understand.

 

If I were replacing one belt I would replace them all. If I have the belts removed why not take care of the tensioner and idle pulley at the same time. I like the do it now thing because I do not like to be stranded because it looked OK and I had a chance to replace it then.

 

My understanding is that the tensioner and pulley should last a lot longer than the belts, the only reason that I was changing them was because I wasnt sure if the 2002 has the updated version or not. Do you know?

 

I have a 99 with 113k and recently replaced both along with the belt.

 

I just hit 40K miles

 

Gus do these tensioner and idle pulley have updated for a 2000 XK8? I have 52K on my 1 serp. belt and I do have a new replacement belt ready but I didn't know anything about the pulley or tensioner.

Thanks
Mark

 

I am not aware of any updates; however, I am not a qualified mechanic to answer your question properly. I do know that on my car 99 with 113k mi I replaced only the belt. Shortly after that I replaced the tensioner, and shortly after that the pulley. Yes I am the one that said to replace it all the first time and in most cases I do but this time I elected not to do that. We drive our car every day summer and winter and down time is not an option with the wife. The way I look at it is if you have it apart and it is a simple replacement go for it.

 

Mark, my understanding is that the old tensioners were plastic and the newer ones are metal but I dont know when they changed. Any experts out there?

 

My tensioner is metal, I just checked my belt a couple of days ago to see where the pointer was at and condition of the belt but I never looked at the idle pulley. I'll have to check that one. Thanks!

 

After doing a little research I think you will be OK with the newer tentioners and pulley. I did not know that they had plastic with replacements of metal. I did know about the water pump upgrade. Check them when you have the belt off. If you think it may give you a problem replace it. Good Luck!