LR
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EngineHigh severity

300Tdi timing belt walking off or failing early

Safety or reliability risk. Fix promptly.

Symptoms

Belt noise or rubbing behind the timing cover, belt fraying at the edge, sudden failure leaving the engine dead.

Likely cause

Belt misalignment due to wear in the timing cover backplate and tensioner, sometimes combined with oil contamination.

Suggested fixes

Listed roughly in the order most owners try them.

  1. 1

    Fit an uprated timing belt kit

    Use the later kit with modified backplate, spacer and tensioner to prevent the belt walking.

    Difficulty:
    Experienced DIY
    Cost:
    ££ (About £50 to £300)
  2. 2

    Renew the front crankshaft oil seal

    Oil on the belt shortens its life. Replace the seal whenever the belt is changed.

    Difficulty:
    Moderate DIY
    Cost:
    £ (Under about £50 in parts)
  3. 3

    Change the belt on schedule

    Replace every 60,000 miles or five years, or sooner if the vehicle wades often.

    Difficulty:
    Experienced DIY
    Cost:
    ££ (About £50 to £300)

This is general guidance gathered from owner experience and workshop practice, not a substitute for a workshop manual or a qualified mechanic. Costs are rough parts-only guides. Brakes, steering and suspension work affects safety, so if in doubt have it checked professionally.

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