So I just got a few estimates from several Volvo dealers to replace the timing belt and tensioner on my '01 S80 2.9...all in the $700-$800 range! But I see that I can buy the parts on-line for less than $150.

So I am thinking about doing it myself. But I read somewhere that you need a special tool to lock the cam pulleys in place???

Has anyone replaced the timing belt/tensioner themselves? Is it necessary to use that cam-lock tool or can it be done without it? Any other special tools you need? Any special procedure to set the tension on the belt, or is the tensioner an "automatic" one where no adjustment is needed?

Any info or pictures GREATLY appreciated. (Torque values too.)

Thanks much.
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2001 S80 2.9, 100K miles

I hope you are a good wrench. I`m not trying to scare you but if you are you will have problems. I feel like I am good at wrenching and I did not think I would be able to finish the job. To me the hardest part was getting the belt over the crank pully. Belt change on my 940 is a breeze so I though this be not too bad. Good luck! I hope you nail it.

Lane

You do not need a special tool. You have to have a wreench to counterhold the crankshaft nut and then loosen the bolts for the vibration dumper. All this through the wheel well.

Removing the timing belt
Slacken off the belt tensioner
Slacken off the center screw for the belt tensioner slightly.
Hold the center screw still. Turn the tensioner eccentric counter-clockwise using a 6 mm Allen key. Turn to 10 o'clock.
Unhook and remove the timing belt

Adjusting the tensioner
This adjustment is carried out on a cold engine. A suitable temperature is approximately 20 ° C / 68 ° F.
At higher temperatures (with the engine at operating temperature or a high outside temperature for example) the indicator is further to the right.
The illustration shows the position of the indicator when aligning the timing belt tensioner at different temperatures.
Carefully turn the crankshaft clockwise until the timing belt is tensioned. The belt must be in tension between the intake camshaft pulley, the idler pulley and the crankshaft.
Hold the belt tensioner center screw secure. Turn the belt tensioner eccentric clockwise until the tensioner indicator passes the marked position.
Then turn the eccentric back so that the indicator reaches the marked position in the center of the window.
Hold the eccentric secure. Tighten the center screw to 25 Nm.
Check that the indicator is in the correct position

I can't load a picture, but the 20C/68F mark is in the middle between the two marks. This type tensioner is in Turbo models. If you have the older style tensioner with a shaft, press in the shaft in very slow increments with a clamp or vise until you can put a pin through the holes. Use a hard steel nail or it will bend making hard to pull out after installation.

Thanks much for the info Volvito. My engine has the mechanical (not hydraulic) tensioner. This and your previous post about how to adjust it will be most helpful.

G Squared
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2001 S80 2.9 (non-turbo), 113K miles