New in the forum

[DiscoGil]

Hi all. I've been learning from all you since few months a go and finally decided to join. I recently bought a 1997 Discovery (long time that I wanted to do it) it is in very good condition, but has 250.000 km's, so I have to take good care of it. I'm lucky I found somebody who can work on the difficult things (already changed vacum pump, difflock stucked, head gaskets, EGR plate and changed some hoses) and I'll take care about the rest. I wonder what should I be checking next...I've no clue about maintenance done in the vehicle (though it looks well maintained) but I'm a bit concern about the timming belt, should I changed it just in case? Can I check it first? Thanks in advance!!!

[ihscouts]

Welcome to the forum! The belt should be changed only if it looks worn, is cracked, or if you can see threads. I might change it if I wanted to be sure of the age. Brake calipers are another area of high mileage Disco's to watch. Look for leaking puck seeals. How's the anti lock braking?

[DiscoGil]

Thanks for the advise ihscouts! That´s what I will probably do, change it a.s.a.p. Regarding the ABS it works. I will pay some attention to the brake calipers soon also. How do I know if bushes are to be renewed? Thanks again!

[ihscouts]

I would assume they've been maintained. With your mileage they would be leaking already which is the sign of worn seals.

[DiscoGil]

Ok. I went back to the delaer and ask him if he could check with the previous owner about the timing belt last time replaced...and the good news were: We've done it here! they always do that when selling old 2nd hand vehicles, they even showed me the ones replaced recently. So I have a new timing belt! Till next thread.

[Someone]

doesen't the disco use a timming chain?

[ihscouts]

Yes they do but DiscoGil is referring to the serpentine belt since the timing chain wouldn't be something anyone would consider a routine maintenance replacement item.