Hi!

Well I got rid of an old friend the other day, my '89 745, and I miss her, but I replaced her with a '96 850 wagon (non-turbo) and I need to replace the timing belt. I have never done a timing belt on any vehicle. I have done quite a bit of repairs, but I have to say I'm a bit nervous about this one. I'm am writing for any tips/suggestions, including what brand of belt should I buy, what brand of water pump should I buy, and do I need any special tools.

I was going to go into Borton here in the Twin Cities but when I got a "ball Park" figure I thought it was time to learn! Two ther Items of discussion...

1. It seems as if a hinge or strap mount on the body part of the door jamb is broken and makes a loud clunk when opening and closing the door. Any suggestions?

2. The passengers side - outside mirror has cracked glass, I've done replacements on GM cars by breaking out the broken glass and replacing with new. Is Volvo similar?

Everyone here at brickboard has been so helpful! I really enjoy reading everything! Thanks so much!

Greg

Klaus,

I replaced the glass portion of the passengers side-view mirror, I did what you said and it worked great! Thanks for your help. I'm loving Volvos more everyday!

1bignordic

The glass is easy to replace. Move the mirror towards the window as far as it goes, you want to get your fingers behind the glass to pop it out. The center of the mirror has metal clips that fit in a hole. Most cars are fitted with heater elements, unplug them as you remove the glass.
Putting in the new glass is very easy, just plug in the electrics first :)

Klaus
--
Common sense trumps a PhD

Gates is a good brand for belts. NAPA also sells it under their name.

I replaced the T belt a month ago in my '94 850 wagon (first time), and the most frustrating part was the reduced clearance. I replaced the pulleys, and I do not know who told Volvo it was a good idea to use Torx bolts in there! I had to use the appropriate Torx socket, and grab it with a the Vise-Grips. Allen bolt or regular hex would be much easier. I changed the water pump too, it showed it was leaking. Good luck!

Hi!

Thanks to all of you that repleyed to my message, you have all been such a great help! I will update you on my progress and let you all know how it went. Thanks Again!

Greg

The door check strap is a problem, no one ever greases it and then it breaks. If the check strap is broken, here is an easy fix:

http://volvospeed.com/Repair/hinge.php

The timing belt is hard because of close clearance. Before you get started, put the car in 'N' with the brakes set, take of the Tbelt cover (10mm bolt), remove the spark plugs, and try to find the cam and crank TDC marks. These are not large and obvious and could use a little white-out for better visibility.

http://volvospeed.com/Repair/timingbelt.php

You will also want to inspect and/or replace the rollers, especially the tensioner roller. The water pump needs to be looked at for play and weeping, the pumps usually last well beyond 180K miles.

Replace the S belt if it looks like it. The Sbelt needs to come off anyway, and note how it is routed!

You are right about Borton's labor charges. FCP Groton parts are pretty good, but if you replace the water pump - get OEM.

Klaus
--
Common sense trumps a PhD

If you are referring to the door stay (a common problem), the spot welds on the body have probably broken. Take it to a dealer and you will have an expensive re-welding proposition. But here is a link to a simple, effective and inexpensive fix:

http://au.geocities.com/ozbrick850/door-stay_fix.html

I did this on both of my front doors and on a friend's 850 driver door--very effective.

--
96 850T, Bilstein HD, IPD swaybars-HD endlinks

Here is a step by step:

http://volvospeed.com/Repair/timingbelt.htm

Also check ipdusa.com they have a timing belt change video and a cam lock to prevent the cams from rotating during the work - a good safety item. Good luck!

I was just going to mention that the white motor is an interference fit, so make sure nothing gets moved until you are all back together. I would change out my H2O pump as a matter of course as long as you are in there, along with taking a godd hard look at the other items mentioned. Now's the time! Good luck.