is it possible to do this without removal of the timing belt?? couldn't find a tech article for this specifically so was looking for a touch more info on the process involved.
Remove radiator (drain coolant first ;-) ) swing PTU out of the way remove clutch fan from the pulley (4x10mm nuts) disconnect CAS remove radiator hard pipes (5 or 6mm inhex socket on a 150mm extension, also a 12 mm or something nut/bolt) keep coolant bypass hoses on the thermostat housing, replace if old. remove assorted hex bolts, and other crap holding 2 halves of the top timing cover on. get a massive breaker bar, remove crank pulley (put car in 5th gear with handbreak on) loosen alternator, PS pump and AC belts Remove crank pulley remove lower timing cover cover undo 5x water pump bolts/nuts replace pump with new liquid gasket repeat above steps in reverse order. Winning.
9 - Just use a normal breaker bar jammed against the passenger side from near radiator (carefully ) after taking radiator out then pull c.a.s plug then a quick tap of the starter ( hit key don't tap starter with hammer ) and crank car for a few seconds only then bolt will be loose.
thanks guys, was having a look and thought it may have been possible even though the workshops all said otherwise. will give it a crack!
for future reference, the radiator hard pipes are held by 6mm hex bolt (helps if you have a 1/4" socket that can hold a screwdriver piece) the timing belt covers are 5mm hex bolts.