Good afternoon,

I have a 2012 4.4 diesel Westminster in fine condition, 89000 miles. Recently had a full fluid change, general service/overhaul and ZF agent gearbox flush then went to France for a week and all was ok. But recently screeching from the engine manifested itself and then went just as quick. But regular loud tapping then appeared instead - about 2 or 3 taps per second. Haven't driven the car since.

I took the car to my local specialist who, with a 10 minute look and listen, was uncertain except to spot the belt tensioner leaping around. I have the car booked in to replace all the belts, pulleys and tensioners.

Upon further thought I decided that as the front end would be dismantled, then why not replace the water pump, thermostat, alternator, maybe the air con compressor and starter and fan to save further problems and further dismantling. This rather pricey approach worked for my 1997 TDI Defender.

Is that little list going too far ? What do you think ? What would you replace to forestall further failures when replacing pulleys and tensioners ?

I bought the RR to use for trips and not as a daily driver which I use the Defender for. Trips to south of France, Spain, Norway and also up and down the UK. I don't want to get stranded miles from base with the attendant delays and hassle (I realise that even with the above, there are no guarantees).

Interested to hear opinions.

As a veteran of 3 alternator replacements, I’d say that unless it’s been changed already, that would be top of my list!

Should I be addressing you as your majesty? HRH Got - 2017 SDV8 Autobiography in Loire Blue
Had- 2008 TDV8 Vogue SE in Java black
Had - 2007 S/C in Stornoway Grey

I replaced the water pump and belts and pulleys when replacing the alternator and I'm now about to replace all hoses and the water outlet/thermostat housing because the radiator has a slow leak at the join of the top tank for hopefully another 10-12 years of reliable usage.

Do you have part numbers for “all the hoses” ?

Hoses and the 2 water outlet parts that I've ordered. I'm not replacing the heater hoses that connect at the edge of the donut because I consider that they haven't been subjected to the engine heat of the rest.

LR022690 CONNECTION - W
LR022695 CONN
LR022661 HOSE - RADIATO
LR022717 HOSE - EGR COO
LR022718 HOSE - EGR COO
LR022730 HOSE WITH CONN
LR022660 HOSE COOLER - FUEL
LR029140 HOSE - RADIATO
LR022672 HOSE - HEATER