Yes, it's worth having fan spanners for the TD5. It makes lots of things easier if you can get the fan off, like changing the fan belt. Whilst it's possible to prize the idler pulley back far enough with a lever, it's easier to put a socket on the pulley nut and flex it away from the engine to slacken the belt.
Yes, thanks, most videos show using a socket. I’ve got spanners and the two more simple pulleys coming. If it works, I’ll post an update from a novices perspective with part codes / costs etc. wish me luck !!
 
Ok, update time. Between heavy (ish) showers today I took the plunge. Went in with the massive viscous fan spanners. Absolutely worth the money, very simple. Having removed the fan, the noise was still there, so a tick for the fan being ok. Removed the belt (much easier than replacing it on your own) and the dreadful noise went completely . On first inspection I didn’t find anything particularly rattlely or rough by hand. Then I changed the two idler pulleys and refitted the belt and the noise was gone…. almost! So I’ve now bought the tensioner pulley and will try to eliminate all unnatural whine. It was nice to actually hear the TD5 almost as intended. Will add further details when solved (hopefully) maybe it will help other novices like me. It was great to have a go myself.
 
It's good that it was just idlers rather than anything more expensive like the alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning pump and suchlike.
 
It's good that it was just idlers rather than anything more expensive like the alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning pump and suchlike.
Or crank damper, or even fan bearing which is pressed into the engine front cover, that was a pain to change on mine, for no benefit 😒
Are you fitting a new belt while you are there?
 
Or crank damper, or even fan bearing which is pressed into the engine front cover, that was a pain to change on mine, for no benefit 😒
Are you fitting a new belt while you are there?
I think I will. I am also changing the tensioner for good measure and planned preventative maintenance I think it’s called. I was worried it would have been one of the pressed in bearings, so to be honest I’m ok with changing a few pulleys and the belt. Cheers.
 

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