[Mr_Micky]

Hi guys



I put my 98 vitara J20 in for a service today and i got told i needed to replace a cracked radiator tank and a new belt idler bearing because of a strange noise coming from the front of the engine.
The mechanic is going to call me tomorrow to give me a quote, but i thought id ask you guys your opinions. Firstly, how much would it all cost? (so i dont get ripped off) and secondly would it be hard for me to fix it myself? I have lots of experience working on motos and boats, but I've never really had much to do with cars.



Cheers!

[tanshi]

radiator tanks is a pretty specialized thing. $2-300 to do it.

belt idler on those is easy though. $2-30 bearing, pull the pully off, press off the old bearing, put new on in and replace pully

[AckerDackerly]

If it is like the US units, it probably has a plastic top and bottom, which means you would be better off buying a new one at the factors or online - but not the dealer. The plastic tops and bottoms cannot be easily resealed like the old metal ones can.

Replacing the radiator is more of an annoyance than anything. Removing the shroud and fan is a tedious process but the actual removal and replacement of the radiator is fairly easy.

You may have to be careful if it has an automatic gearbox. Removing and plugging the gearbox coolant lines one at a time requires preparation.

The engine coolant will need to be drained and refilled.

When complete, you will need to top off the auto gearbox fluid once the existing fluid has filled the new radiator.

Then again, the mechanic is the best way if you are not mechanically inclined or are in a hurry.