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Timing Belt Replacement Interval V70-XC70 1998

posted by  Mike L. on  Mon Apr 1 05:27 CST 2002
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Does anyone know the reason for the difference in the timing belt replacement interval between 1998 and 1999? The '98 manual calls for a 70k replacement and the 1999 manual calls for a 105k replacement. The 1999 manual also states the tensioner is to be replaced. Were the belts substantially improved for '99? From the parts searching I've done on the internet, it appears that both cars use the same belt, what's up?








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    To make it more confusing... V70-XC70 1998

    posted by  someone claiming to be Phil Punxsutawney on  Mon Apr 1 06:34 CST 2002 [RELATED]

    while perusing the VCNA "Owner's Circle" I discovered the VCNA website specifies 105,000 (and the tensioner) for the '98s!!!!! My manual says 70k, that's when I had it done. I noticed this and asked my dealer. They said 70k (no tensioner), and suggested I call VCNA. Since it's VCNA's problem if they are in error, I couldn't see the point to spending an afternoon on "hold" for a service that had already been completed. If you haven't had the service completed, perhaps you could call. Please post the answer!

    -Phil Punxsutawney








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      Shouldn't be as it's simple. V70-XC70 1998

      posted by  someone claiming to be Fred on  Mon Apr 1 13:46 CST 2002 [RELATED]

      Mr T is right. The '98 gets the t-belt ONLY at 70K miles as mentioned in your maintenance book and the tensioner is suppose to be checked only (before removing the old belt). I know of no one who replaces tensioners with every t-belt, not only that but most dealerships don't stock them either and they're not cheap.
      The '99 cars then went to a 105K t-belt interval and (as before), the tech is suppose to check the tensioner ONLY as specified in VADIS, which is now where all service info for the newer cars is. If and only if the tensioner doesn't pass the inspection (done before removing the old belt), then it's to be replaced.
      If VCNAs site claims anything else, then what's written there is not quoted from Volvos own service literature which would also seem strange to me.








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        Correction for tensioner, newer cars at 105K service interval V70-XC70 1998

        posted by  someone claiming to be Mr T on  Tue Apr 2 04:59 CST 2002 [RELATED]

        We havent yet done one in our shop to date (none at that mileage yet) but I've checked with both customers maintenance books and in Vadis, the tensioner is to also be replaced at 105K miles with the T-belt. This makes the job even costlier as the tensioner costs $130 at our parts department. This applies to '99 on up cars, not '98s and earlier which get the belt only with the tensioner checked.








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          Correction for tensioner, newer cars at 105K service interval V70-XC70 1998

          posted by  someone claiming to be Ray N. on  Tue Apr 2 07:07 CST 2002 [RELATED]

          What do you check for to determine if a tensioner has failed or
          needs replacing?

          Just wondered since I'm coming up on 70K on an 855.

          Thanks.








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          Correction for tensioner, newer cars at 105K service interval V70-XC70 1998

          posted by  Mike L. on  Tue Apr 2 05:23 CST 2002
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          From what you seen in your experience, is there really a difference in the belts themselves? What was done in 1999 that extended the service interval by 50%?








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            Correction for tensioner, newer cars at 105K service interval V70-XC70 1998

            posted by  someone claiming to be Mr T on  Tue Apr 2 12:57 CST 2002 [RELATED]

            I'd have to check PNs to see if the '99 belt is different from the '98 as I havent yet done that, havent done a 105K service yet in our area. The belts might look the same but could be different PNs so the newer one could be more durable?

            I think the main reason why the belt life has increased is due to the new style "manual" tensioner which replaced the "automatic" type used before. I'm not positive on that point but that's my best guess at the moment.

            As for checking the older type automatic belt tensioners, it's suppose to be done using a very expensive belt tension tool that's a Volvo special tool and has been around since the 16 valve B234F 4 cyl engine used in the old 740s/940s ('89). I once worked at a dealer that didn't have one and we had to buy it, $500 dealer price (ouch) so most people doing it themselves elsewhere will never do that as a result. I don't know how one would check it otherwise as the specs listed in the OEM book are in units for that tool.








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              Correction for tensioner, newer cars at 105K service interval V70-XC70 1998

              posted by  Mike L. on  Tue Apr 2 13:26 CST 2002
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              I appreciate the additional information. What you are saying about the two styles of tensioners affecting the belt life makes sense. When did Volvo switch to the new "manual" type tensioner. Is it possible to tell what style you have without taking off the belt covers? Obviously, the belt changing procedure will be different for the new type tensioner. I've got very good instructions from Bay 13 on changing the belt with the old style tensioner, do you know if there are similiar instructions available for the new one? Thanks a lot!








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                Correction for tensioner, newer cars at 105K service interval V70-XC70 1998

                posted by  someone claiming to be Ray N. on  Wed Apr 3 11:44 CST 2002 [RELATED]

                The info at alldata.com for my 98T5M says serial numbers 1266128 and higher
                have a manual tensioner (S/V/C 70s). It then describes the procedure to set the tension in the TSB (which is where the serial number came from):

                2210015 Mechanical Camshaft Belt Tensioner - Adjusting








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                Correction for tensioner, newer cars at 105K service interval V70-XC70 1998

                posted by  someone claiming to be Mr T on  Wed Apr 3 00:32 CST 2002 [RELATED]

                They actually started the new "manual" tensioner on some later production '98s although that info isn't even listed in Vadis for a '98 car ('99 on up only). Replacing the belt on the newer type is actually easier BUT it's also trickier in that there's a tensioner marker that needs to be adjusted to its proper setting by the engines temperature and the pic showing the proceedure is in Vadis, not in print yet. I'd speculate that if not (replaced) and adjusted correctly, the belt might fail and that'd be a major problem so I won't suggest trying it yourself here as if you were to do it wrong, you'ld definately be upset. The newer turbo cars with hydraulic "cam adjusters" get even trickier yet so when the DIY guys decide to try this themselves, they'll be on their own and I'd specualate that I'll be reading about a few disasters. I don't know if Bay 13 will print details and pics on the new type belt or if it's even a good idea IMO but time will tell.
                How to tell them apart? It's easy to remove the cover (one bolt) but it seems that the newer "manual" tensioner engines have a smaller 10mm head bolt holding the cover on whereas the older "automatic" types use a 12mm headed bolt.








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                  Correction for tensioner, newer cars at 105K service interval V70-XC70 1998

                  posted by  Mike L. on  Tue Apr 9 12:34 CST 2002
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                  I really apprecited the information you gave me regarding the timing belt replacement. I've had a chance to check both of my cars (a '98XC and a "99 V70 GLT) and they both have the manual style tensioner. So, now I'm confused why the the two cars with the same setup have different replacement intervals. What would your recommendation be for the XC? I intend to have the dealer do the work based on your input, especially since I don't have access to the right procedure. By the way, I found out the 99 has the variable valve timing on the exhaust cam, I also did not see any alignment marks similiar to the ones on the 98. Thanks again.








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    Timing Belt Replacement Interval V70-XC70 1998

    posted by  someone claiming to be Mr T on  Mon Apr 1 06:01 CST 2002 [RELATED]

    Follow the info in the cars maintenance book where it's specified. The tensioner is to be checked, not automatically replaced. I'd also only use OEM Volvo t-belts as it's simply not worth a gamble if the aftermarket belt fails and they're only about $40.







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