Poorly Rav 4! Need Some Help!

February 23, 2008

Hi all!

Well my 51 plate rav4 D4D is not doing well at the moment! The dmf is currently on its way out, the air con button has packed in, the rear rubber mounts for the coils came out and snapped the coils on both sides, i am now on my 3rd auxillary belt in 10,000 miles (and it has just started squeaking again), the immobiliser wont let me program a new key, the car alarm keeps on beeping when wet!!! All in the space of a couple of months!! Its really dissappointing as we have had care free driving for the past 3 years with it! its only done just over 60k and been reguraly serviced. (although i shouldn't complain I had a Subaru impreza P1 for 3 years and that cost me over £16,000 in servicing and mechanical repairs in that time period and that was serviced every 4k!!) We do however love our rav 4!

I have 2 questions that i need help with:

1. The third auxillary belt is taking the *^%$. Basically it annoyingly squeaks when its wet outside and the engine is cold. Once warm the squeak stops. Is there anything else that could be causing the problem apart from the belt (I refuse to believe that 3 new belts together cant last longer than 10k). Every time the belt is replaced it works great for the first 1000 miles or so then it starts squeaking again! any suggestions?

2. I have what you may call an amateur talent when it comes to vehicle mechanics. I have done an engine rebuild before (incidentally on the subaru), I replaced the rear springs on the rav and now a master at replacing discs and pads! Most of it is self taught and researched with the help of sites like this and references to other cars. I am debating on replacing the dmf and if needs be clutch myself, I have found a source that will supply me a brand new factory dmf (upgraded one) and clutch kit for £450. However I am a little daunted as I have never done this before!! I would much rather pay the money towards buying the tools for the job than pay for some one to do it! Therefore i am asking if any knows of any manuals or links that I can peruse for a job like this. Plus any tips!!

Many Thanks

James

February 23, 2008

HI James - welcome to the club.

The belt noise is not untypical and apart from it irritating you is not really doing any harm. You could try a genuine belt or a Gates belt is very high quality and will maintain its suppleness down to a very low ambient temperature - no guarantees though!

What you are contemplating with the DMF in my opinion shouldn't intimidate a reasonably competent person with some mechanical knowledge. The process basically consists of;

Raising and securing the car

Remove the transmission (including disconnecting the transfer box and drive shafts)

Remove clutch

Remove flywheel

Broken down into those elements it doesn't sound much but you will need to have a decent place to work, some lifting and propping equipment (a good selection of axle stands etc), a good mate as that box is heavy and a good selection of tools. However, if you allow yourself the time and take care (you wouldn't want to get trapped under there) you should be OK.

If you pm me with your email address I will send you some info on doing the job (but it won't be today as I'm off to work soon!).

Cheers

February 23, 2008

Hi anchorman!

Cheers for the response I suppose your right it doesn't sound that bad and we have another car so I can have bags of time to spend on it! Perhaps I'll take a few photos and post them on here as i do it! I will pm you with my email for you to send the info to. Thanks for the help!!! :D :D :D

James

HI James - welcome to the club.
The belt noise is not untypical and apart from it irritating you is not really doing any harm. You could try a genuine belt or a Gates belt is very high quality and will maintain its suppleness down to a very low ambient temperature - no guarantees though!
What you are contemplating with the DMF in my opinion shouldn't intimidate a reasonably competent person with some mechanical knowledge. The process basically consists of;
Raising and securing the car
Remove the transmission (including disconnecting the transfer box and drive shafts)
Remove clutch
Remove flywheel
Broken down into those elements it doesn't sound much but you will need to have a decent place to work, some lifting and propping equipment (a good selection of axle stands etc), a good mate as that box is heavy and a good selection of tools. However, if you allow yourself the time and take care (you wouldn't want to get trapped under there) you should be OK.
If you pm me with your email address I will send you some info on doing the job (but it won't be today as I'm off to work soon!).
Cheers

February 23, 2008

Aux. belt squeel can also be caused by a low Battery, the alternator working at full charge rate puts maximum load on belt until Battery is nearing full charge. This is more common during winter months when we are often using lights,heating etc. on way home then car sitting o/night in low temperature. A good Battery is still at its lowest next morning.