So had a surprising 'Low Coolant' message on the dash today - I have a nose around the engine bay to find leak coming from what looks to be the water pump area. Will be having a propper look tonight to confirm, but have already half resigned myself to water pump committing suicide.

So shopping list from ebay:
Cambelt & Tensioner & Waterpump Kit (Gates)
Aux Belt & Tensioner Kit (Dayco)
Locking tool

Now my main question... do i do this myself? I know hard to tell someone on forum yes or no to a question like that. I like to think I'm OK on the tools - but fluid changes, brakes, starter motors, wiring is my usual wheel house for car DIY. Have never had to do a camblet before, and the stories of friends trying to do this in their driveway and stuffing their engine very much in forefront my my mind.

The 3 local garages I'd trust are quoting 6-8hrs work, and the coffers are well and truely in the minus numbers thanks to world events.

So yeah, youtube DIY's on loop for the next 2 weeks while i wait for parts.... or just drop it to a local garage when the bits arrive. Keen to hear what the advice is from the guys who have tackled the cambelt and could give an unbiased 'how hard to DIY' rating.

Cheers

This chap is quite good to watch
 2014 Freelander 2 XS TD4
Firenze Red

Another one

 2014 Freelander 2 XS TD4
Firenze Red

Well, I consider myself to be an experienced (but lazy) mechanic. I did my Evoque timing belt myself. For someone who hasn’t done one before, I can imagine it could be 'challenging'. All depends on your patience level. I have none these days.

https://www.evoqueownersclub.co.uk/threads...ost-255033 Past: FL2 TD4 HSE Auto
Evoque SD4 Dynamic Lux Auto
Present: Audi A3 S Line.

You may find the hardest part is slackening the pulley bolt. A Torque Multiplier makes it easy to undo the bolt. Also I suggest a new bolt and maybe renew the front crankshaft and camshaft seals at the same time.

Did mine two years ago & it took me most of the day (about six hours). I think the worst part was checking the tensioner position after fitting the new belt, took several goes to get it right.

If you are competent & have all the tools, it really isn’t that difficult. Of course ‘competent’ can mean different things to different people. I have fifty odd years as an aircraft maintenance engineer behind me, so I do consider myself competent.

Good luck with it.

Nick (Now Sold). 2008 Freelander 2 (Nazca Sand) SE TD4 Auto. Statutory write off & on WOVR for hail damage but still road legal.
171037Km as of 09/05/22
Superchips Bluefin Flash
Nanocom Evo II (also sold)

Gates kit comes with all the instructions you will require.
Just take your time, don't treat it as a race, and if someone tells you they did there's in a couple of hour's ignore them.
If it takes you a couple of days, with tea breaks, at least you will have the satisfaction of knowing you did it yourself.
An important point when you finish is to turn it over by the crank pully bolt as the instructions tell you.
On that point as you will require an extension on the socket, rest it on another axle stand if you have one, makes turning it over so much easier.

It's not a big job, just lots of little jobs that need to be done in the correct order.
Good luck.  Now at the point when I learn something new something old is lost out the other side !
Now retired so it doesn't matter anymore.
Freelander now gone.

Thanks guys. Definitely water pump. Parts ordered. While waiting can do some other tasks on her that have been put off as she's the daily driver.

Loads of room to change the belt compared to saloon cars. The hardest bit was final angle torque to crankshaft bolt. Easy if it was on a lift to do from underneath. Ramps on your drive is a bit more hassle.