My 2000 Disco is right around 48000 miles, and I've been told I should replace the serpentine belt at around 45k. I'm not noticing anything serious cracks or anything, so I'm curious if another couple of thousand miles would be okay, or if I should really buckle down and do it.

Do you get any warning on these guys? I haven't noticed any squeaking or other normal belt noises.

 

The 45K service includes a new belt. Did you have that service done ? The belt is very robust. It will show signs of needing replacement. It will start cracking, then chunks will come off, then eventually it will fail. Come to think of it , I've never seen one fail from age or mileage. Robust !

 

I don't have the warranty on this vehicle (apparently, Land Rover warranties are non-transferrable), so it hasn't had it 45k mile service. . .

It doesn't look bad, so I'm not going to worry about it yet . . .

 

I would just buy a new belt and keep it in the truck. My belt was showing some cracks about 10,000 miles ago so i got a new one and it has bee sitting in my tool box since then, just waiting for it to go then i will put the new one on.

 

Not a bad idea, actually. How hard is it to replace this belt? Should I have a dealer do it, or could someone with a reasonable amount of mechanical skill be able to handle it?

 

you can handle it, just pull up the tensioner and slip old belt off but remember which way the belt routes thru, then put new one on.

 

I gather then that the Discovery engine is non-interference...ie the valve train remains intact if the belt fails? Is that true for all models?

 

I dont think they are talking about the timing belt. They are talking about the accessory belt that runs the alternator, AC etc. I think the Land Rover engines come with timing chains too, so pretty safe there.

 

First of all, all Rover warrantys are transferable, who told you your's wasn't and why?
The the serpentine belt is does not drive the cam and crank, you have a timing chain that handles that .
Mike