I have until August 18 before I leave Memphis for Roanoke VA and a new job. I need to change the T-belt on my 855T. It was last done at 70k and the car has 143,000 miles now.

I am capable of the work, have done many major engine repairs on many vehicles over the years and have a large assortment of tools. I have the Bay 13 procedure as well as the Haynes and have pulled the cover to see how tightly packed things actually are.

The local independent Volvo shop quoted me $650 for the job, could do it in a day and replace any idlers, tensioners etc that need it.

I can order the parts for half that at Groton but don't want to run into any obstacles for which I'll have to fabricate tools or run to buy things or order a discovered bad part while in the process.

What can be used to release tension on the serpentine belt tensioner? I can't fit any wrench into the opening as it's pretty tight quarters. IPD sells a $40 wrench for this but I can't see it for single use. Holding the camshaft sprockets isn't a problem so I won't need IPD's $40 holder either.

I may just turn it over to the shop as I'm in a time crunch but I sure hate to pay for a job I know I can do.

Thanks for any insight.

Erwin in Memphis... for now.