Is it an easy job to change the 3 drive belts? (for a mechanical twonk)

[spikeychops]

Hi all,

Just noticed my 3 drive belts on my '96 SSRX, KZN185 (2 x fan and an Air con belt i believe) are loose and looking a bit on the ragged side and will probably need changing out.

Is it an easy job to change 'em out?

I know my way around a socket set, but i'm not the most knowledgable around engines..are there any special tools needed or can i do the job with 'normal' tools?

Any tricks of the trade would be appreciated too!

Thinking about it, my Air con hasn't pumped out any cold air since i bought my Surf (a year ago), so wondering if i can get away with just leaving the belt off for the Air con?

Guessing that it uses extra fuel to drive the pulley, so would it be economical fuelwise to just leave it off if i'm not using it?

Cheers guys.

[Albannach]

Changing belts is a doddle. But, if you have to ask about something as basic as this, it's probably best to get a grown up to show you how to do it the first time.

Leave the belt off the AC if you like, it won't save you much fuel though. You'll save way more by not buying the belt in the first place!

[spikeychops]

Cheers Albannach,

If it's not going to save a significant amount of fuel, i'll go ahead and replace the A/C belt while i'm poking around.

If i'm not grown up enough at 44, i don't think i ever will be mate!

Just lucky enough not to have had to tinker around with most of the motors i've had i s'pose, driven since 17 and never had to change a belt before so can't complain really.

Cheers for the reply.

[spikeychops]

Halfords is just around the corner from me, so wondered if anyone knows whether the listing for the fan belts they have for 1996 3.0 4Runner TD would fit my 3.0 1996 Surf?

No worries, just discovered it will fit. Landcruiser / Prado / 4Runner / Surf all uses same belt.